Varicose veins

Varicose veins is a common condition observed in practice whereby patients present with dilated, tortuous and elongated veins, especially on the legs. However, any vein in the body if gets twisted, stretched out or looses elasticity, could be labeled as varicose. 
The veins have certain valve like mechanism which allows the blood to move upwards toward the heart. The valves have leaflets. When the leaflets loose their elasticity, the valves loose their capacity to push blood upwards; hence there is a back pressure which leads to further elongation of the veins. The veins also have reduced elasticity. As a result, the veins get ‘tortuous’ or twisted; as well as hardened. The veins, thus, become visible as zigzag vascular tubes, especially on legs. 
Varicose veins affect especially the depending parts of the body that is lower limbs, which gets even worse when one tends to stand longer. People in the business of standing for long, such as sales people, policemen, plastic surgeon (tend to stand for hours during surgery), etc. are risk of developing varicose veins. 

What are the symptoms?
Varicose veins look dark blue, swollen, and twisted under the skin. Some people do not have any symptoms. Mild symptoms may include: 
• Heaviness, burning, aching, tiredness, or pain in your legs. Symptoms may be worse after you stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Swelling in your feet and ankles.
• Itching over the vein.
More serious symptoms include:
• Leg swelling.
• Swelling and calf pain after you sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Skin changes, such as: 
o Color changes.
o Dry, thinned skin.
o Inflammation.
o Scaling.
• Open sores, or you may bleed after a minor injury. 
Varicose veins are common and usually aren't a sign of a serious problem. But in some cases, varicose veins can be a sign of a blockage in the deeper veins called deep vein thrombosis.

Complications of Varicose veins:
a. Ulcer formation 
b. Bleeding
c. If eczema on the affected parts, there may be infection leading to wounds which may take time to heal
d. Thrombophlebitis: Due to clot formation in the veins, due to sluggish circulation

Home Remedies For Varicose Veins
• One of the most effective ways of treating varicose veins would be to have a combination of carrot and spinach juice. For this, combine 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice. 
• Vitamin E and C are essential for the treatment of varicose vein. For this, take 3,000 mg of vitamin C and 600 to 1,200 mg of vitamin E daily. 
• Staying on an all-fruit diet, for two to three days, is an easy solution for varicose veins. Thereafter, have a balanced diet that includes grains, seeds, nuts, raw vegetables and fresh fruits.
• Warm water enema is a good home remedy to cure varicose veins, as it helps cleanse the bowels. 
• Applying apple cider vinegar to the varicose veins two times a day i.e. in the morning and evening would prove helpful in treating the problem. This would make the vein shrink back to their original size. 
• Taking hot Epsom salt bath, two times in a week, will prove effective in treating varicose veins. 
• Another useful home remedy would be to massage the affected area with rosemary oil. 
• Take some fuller's earth powder and add some water to it, until it forms a paste. Apply this mudpack on the affected area at night and leave it on till the morning. Then, rinse off with water.
• In 4 ounces of carrier oil (almond oil), add 12 drops each of cypress and rosemary essential oils. Apply this mixture on the legs, by gently stroking them in an upward motion. This is an effective way to treat varicose veins. 
• Applying vitamin E oil or witch hazel tea to the affected area serves as a good home remedy for varicose veins.
• Take hot and cold hip bath, alternately. This would prove to be beneficial in curing varicose veins. 
• Mix together 2 cups each of chopped calendula flowers, leaves and stems, along with melted lard. After about 24 hours, heat the mixture and strain it. Apply this over the varicose veins. 
• Avoid having potatoes, starchy foods, condiments, alcohol, coffee, strong tea, white flour products and white sugar, when suffering from varicose veins.

A number of factors increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
1. Pregnancy is often the first time veins cause problems for many women. The problem may improve after the baby is born, but will probably get worse with the next pregnancy. During pregnancy both body weight and blood volume increase, creating additional pressure on the veins in the legs. Hormone changes are also believed to affect the development of varicose veins.
2. Having an occupation that requires standing for long periods. Cooks dentists, hairdressers, sales assistants and people in many other professions spend long hours on their feet but without a lot of movement.
3. Being overweight. Losing weight can help relieve pressure on the legs.
4. Excessive exposure to heat. Heat causes veins to expand and trap more blood, setting the stage for varicose veins. Hot tubs, whirlpool baths, heated floors, sitting near a heat source and working in overheated rooms can all add to the problem.
5. Some types of sporting activities. Although most forms of exercise such as walking, jogging, tennis, dancing and swimming help prevent vein problems some athletic activities such as stair stepping, weight lifting and mountain biking increase pressure on the veins in the legs.

Treatment : 
1. Reflexology : 3,4,8,9,11-16,17,24,22,23,27,28,39,26