DEFINITION

Varicose Veins are stretched and dilated veins in the legs. The walls in the veins become weak leading to dilation of the vein and weakening of the valves. Weak valves cause the blood pressure in the vein to increase which causes the vein to bulge. If not managed correctly, Varicose Veins could lead to leg ulcers.

DESCRIPTION

Women are four times more prone to Varicose Veins than men. Obesity, pregnancy and standing for long periods of time increase the risk of Varicose Veins.
Varicose Veins in the deeper veins increase the risk of clots, pulmonary embolism or stroke. Superficial veins do not cause these problems.
The flow of blood to the heart is most efficient when the body is exercising and muscular contraction compresses the deep veins. The direction of this flow is dependent on the valves in the veins working efficiently. In a Varicosed Vein these valves are not working efficiently. There are several suggestions why this happens including a family history of valve weakness, excessive venous (blood) pressure due to low fibre diets, constipation, heavy lifting, sitting with crossed legs, constrictive clothing and knee-high stockings.
Other possible factors include hormonal changes during early pregnancy, pressure on the pelvic veins in later pregnancy or an abdominal tumour. In pregnant women the hormones present during the latter part of the pregnancy cause all the involuntary muscles to become lax, sometimes leading to constipation and dilated Varicose Veins. Early detection and treatment are strongly recommended for Varicose Veins in pregnancy.
In most cases Varicose Veins are near the surface of the skin. Due to this and the dilation of the veins, Varicose Veins are clearly visible.
People who suffer from Varicose Veins usually suffer from aching or fatigued legs. Sometimes the affected limb may feel warm to the touch. These symptoms may be relieved by elevating the leg or by using special compression hosiery. Women may find that the symptoms are worse around period time.
It is interesting to note that in undeveloped countries Varicose Veins are almost unknown.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment. A Doctor might suggest surgery to strip or remove some of the veins in the legs. This is usually very effective. Your Doctor might also suggest injecting a special compound into the affected vein.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Follow the Diet Hints
2) Ask your Pharmacist about the special new light bandage to help Varicose Veins.
3) Keep the bowels regular. Your Pharmacist has some high fibre products to help.
4) Lower the intake of caffeine containing drinks. These include tea, coffee and cola drinks.
5) Have at least 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water a day. Ask your Pharmacist about water filters.
6) Maintain a healthy weight. If you need to lose some weight ask your Pharmacist for advice.
7) When resting, elevate the feet to above the waist. This helps relieve venous congestion in the legs.
8) If the diet is inadequate ask your Pharmacist about dietary supplements. Particular nutrients may improve the symptoms of Varicose Veins. See the Vitamins/Minerals/Herbs section of this topic.

DIET HINTS

Increase fibre in the diet to prevent constipation. Fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals provide a wide range of nutrients and fibre. Prevent constipation by drinking 2 litres of filtered water a day. Increase consumption of blueberries, cherries and other red and blue fruits. These fruits contain anthocyanidins which help strengthen the walls of the veins. Garlic, onions, ginger and capsicum may also help to prevent blood clots. Potatoes are excellent especially with the skin left on.
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids may help to strengthen and tone the veins. Citrus fruits including the pith are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Also include foods such as parsley and strawberries, lean pork and brewers' yeast.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements may be of use if dietary intake is inadequate.
- Dietary fibre plays an important role in preventing Varicose Veins. If the dietary intake is inadequate a fibre supplement, such as psyllium hulls, may be helpful.
- Vitamin E plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of Varicose Veins. This fat-soluble vitamin helps to strengthen weak blood vessels and prevent unwanted clot formation.
- Vitamin C and bioflavonoids also help to improve the strength of fragile blood vessels. Bioflavonoids are often combined with vitamin C supplements and also occur in citrus fruits.
- Witch hazel is a herb with strong astringent properties. Astringency helps to draw together damaged or weak tissue and this helps the healing process. Witch hazel may be taken internally or applied externally to Varicose Veins in the form of a cream or ointment.
- Horse chestnut is a herb with astringent properties. This herb, taken internally, also helps to improve the tone of blood vessels and reduce the blood vessel inflammation that is often present in cases of Varicose Veins.

AROMATHERAPY

The listed essential oils are suggested for the health management of Varicose Veins. The most specific oils are shown in capitals.
CYPRESS, Juniper, Rosemary, Wheatgerm

Application
MASSAGE: Blend any single listed essential oil or combination of several essential oils - 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz) vegetable carrier oil ie: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel. Massage gently with upward strokes toward the heart into the affected area twice daily. If you have a history of blood clots seek medical advice before commencing massage therapy.

NOTES

Unfortunately, sometimes ulcers form around the skin of the Varicose Veins. These ulcers have to heal from the bottom layers out to the outer layers of the skin. Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

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