UNSIGHTLY Varicose Veins

  

Shooting veins or dark pigmentation on the legs is unsightly and unacceptable to most people.  Most prominent of bulging veins is on the legs, though there are instances on other parts of the body as well. Like it or not, huge populations are having this problem of 'defective' veins.

Visible signs


Veins are blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from the outer parts of the body back to the heart and lungs. When they become abnormally thick, full of twists and turns, or enlarged, problem begins.

The main superficial vein, running from the ankle to the groin along the inner side of the calf and thigh to the groin. It has 16-18 leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards (retrograde). The vein is encased in the muscle and connective tissue, and the leg muscles pump through it blood to return to the heart, working against the effects of gravity.

Over time, veins may become varicose, as the leaflets of the valves no longer meet properly and thus the valves do not work. This allows blood to flow backwards and causing blood to pool in the veins and distend them. As a result, the increased pressure causes bulging veins, darkened pigmentation, swelling and even ulcers in the legs.

Causes

+  Varicose veins are usually hereditary and poor blood circulation problem. Some experts think inherited problems cause some people to have too few valves or valves that do not function properly.
+  Those women subject to high pressure with prolonged standing are vulnerable. Also happen to women who are fond of wearing high heels.
+  Pregnant women tend to have enlarged uterus compressed against the pelvic veins, increasing pressure and stress to the lower limb veins. Another possibility is the relaxation effects of the hormones estrogen and progesterone on the vein walls.
+  Other related factors are obesity, menopause, leg injury, abdominal straining, and crossing legs at the knees or ankles.
+  Sitting all day at desk may result in gravity pulling towards the leg pooling blood there. Without the aid of muscle contraction to pump that blood back upwards, varicose veins develop. On similar vein with reduced leg exercise, the leg muscle mass is lost, resulting in gaps in the muscle to open up and allow veins to dilate.
+  Men into weight-lifting put increased pressure on the legs can also develop varicose veins.
+  High intensity aerobic exercises can gradually wear off the muscle and valves.
+  With declining age, the skin become less elastic and thickened with pigmentation, caused by leakage of blood cells from the veins. When cells do not receive adequate nutrition and oxygen, they can break down easily and develop ulcers over the ankle region when scratched too hard due to itching.
+  High salt intake leads to water retention and the pressure can damage the surrounding tissue.
+  Chronic constipation, urinary retention from an enlarged prostate, chronic cough, or any other conditions that cause a person to strain for prolonged periods of time causes an increase in the forces transmitted to the leg veins and may result in varicose veins. These mechanisms also contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids, which are varicosities located in the rectal and anal area.

Signs and symptoms

• Aching, heavy legs (often worsens at night and after exercise)
• Appearance of spider veins in the affected leg
• Ankle swelling
• A brownish-blue shiny skin discoloration near the affected veins
• Redness, dryness and itchiness of areas of skin due to build up of waste products in the leg
• Cramps may develop especially when making a sudden move as standing up
• Minor injuries to the area may bleed more than normal and/or take a long time to heal
• In some people the skin above the ankle may shrink because the fat underneath the skin becomes hard
• Restless legs
• Whitened, irregular scar-like patches can appear at the ankles

Treatment Options

Most varicose veins are relatively benign and can be handled by individuals at home. Some pointers that can help:

Elevate the legs as much as possible. If the person can take half-hour breaks during the day to rest, do it. It is important to raise the legs up above the level of the heart to get the maximum effect, and to do this for about a half-hour each time.

Wear compression stockings especially in the morning before walking around and before the veins become more swollen.

If the person is overweight, try to lose weight. A healthy diet high in fiber and low in fat and salt can help.

Avoid alcohol, which can cause the veins in the legs to dilate.

Relieve chronic constipation, urinary retention, or chronic cough that cause straining.

Avoid wearing tight clothing such as girdles or belts.

Do not cross the legs when sitting.

Walking is good exercise. It can help the muscles force the blood out of the deeper vein system.

If the person is driving on a trip, traveling by air for a long period of time, or working at a desk all day, try to get up and walk around every hour or so to allow the muscles to pump the blood out of the veins. 

A healthcare professional visit is advisable if any of the following warrant takes place:

• Inflammation, discoloration, or ulceration of the skin or swelling of the calf or leg is more typical of problems related to the deeper veins, especially a blood clot.
• Unexplained pain or swelling in a leg particularly suggests a blood clot.
• If, at any time, the patient feels chest pain or have trouble breathing, this may indicate the presence of a blood clot in the blood vessels of the heart or lungs. Immediate medical attention should be arranged.

Surgery is usually offered only to patients who were in severe pain, had ulcers and whose lives were adversely affected by the inability of walk properly.
Alternatives as follows:
+  Surgical procedure to remove the veins but tend to leave behind scars
+  Laser treatment by inserting a laser fibre into the veins under local anesthesia, reduces scar formation but may have long term leg swelling. This is usually applied for smaller veins.
+  For only multiple fine vessels, chemicals can be injected to shrink them over time


As part of an anti-inflammatory diet, the best foods to eat to treat varicose veins include high-fiber foods, high-antioxidant foods, natural diuretics, magnesium-rich foods, spicy foods, wild-caught fish and apple cider vinegar.


Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varicose_veins;  ST Business Times Mar 19, 2011;

Prescription to Natural Healing

VIVA corner

A deficiency of vitamin C and bioflavonoids can weaken the collagen structure in the vein walls. Vivashield has these potent antioxidants that aids circulation by reducing blood clotting tendencies. Also by helping to strengthen blood vessels, it promotes healing and prevents bruising.

VIVA Oxypower delivers Coenzyme Q10 to the cells to improve tissue oxygenation, increase circulation and enhance immunity by detoxifying many dangerous substances.

VIVA Omega 3 reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation, thus helps to keep blood vessels soft and pliable.

Skin problems are usually a manifestation of a weakened immune system and an imbalanced gastrointestinal flora. VIVA Floraguard addresses this issue by supplying 5 strains of powerful friendly bacteria. Vivaguard helps to repair damaged tissue and thus helps in speedier recovery.