Common varicose veins symptoms include pain in the legs along with feelings of fullness, heaviness, visibly enlarged veins, mild swelling and discoloration of the ankles, and skin ulcers near the ankle. Most people may regard varicose veins as a minor disorder that is of low priority. Sometimes they may not even cause symptoms, other than the unpleasant appearance that is a great nuisance to many.
A Few Reasons Why Symptoms Worsen
OK, so you’re not exactly old, but you’re not as young as you once-you won’t even allow yourself to finish that thought. But hey, you’re of an age when any reasonable, prudent, intelligent, extremely youthful smart person…um, sits back for an afternoon to ask your mom or grandma or suitable matriarch some penetrating questions about the family, such as:
Does everyone in the family have asthma or does it just seem like it? -Is it just a coincidence or a family curse that makes all the men’s toes do that? -Or why does Cousin Lon have to go to the sanitarium each full moon?
Are you ashamed of the varicose veins that stand out on your legs or arms? Do you want to do something about them so that they don’t embarrass you anymore? Are you concerned that these protruding veins can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or will cause you problems later in life? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, you will be pleased to know that there are many options available for you in varicose veins therapy.
How to find the Right Therapy for You
While varicose veins are somewhat common in the United States, they are mostly considered to be a cosmetic problem, however there have been cases showing a link between a stroke and varicose veins. It is considered rare that varicose veins can culminate in a total blockage of blood flow it is something that a person with varicose veins should consult on with their physician.
Preventing varicose veins involves making sure that you exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time. This will stimulate the circulation, and keep your weight managed. To decrease the chance of having a varicose vein make sure that your weight is proper for your height and age. Varicose veins are common in men and women over age 50. They occur more often in women than men. Elevating your legs during rest periods or your lunch hour is also helpful.
Varicose veins are no fun for anyone but unfortunately they are a reality fro many people and they tend to run in families. Females are twice as likely to develop varicose veins than are males. It is estimated that in the United States approximately 20 percent of adult women and 10 percent of adult men have varicose veins, the extent of them varying from mild to moderate to severe.
Did you know that an herb that can be quite helpful to varicose vein sufferers was first used to scare away the devil? St John’s Wort’s ancient name was Fuga Daemonum which means Scare Devil. Its generic name Hypericum, derived from the Greek hyper (“over”) and eikon (“apparition”) clearly shows what this herb was used for. To early Christians the bright golden yellow flowers of the plant was symbolic of the light of the sun and hence, would repel Satan. On St John’s Day, June 24th, the plant was harvested for use for the rest of the year. The Native American Indians also used this herb.
The Basic Cause
Varicose veins are a condition which causes the veins in the legs (usually) that causes twisting and swelling in the veins. These veins can cause heaviness in the legs, itching, fatigue, cramps, swelling, and may be a contributing factor to restless leg syndrome. Normal veins only allow the blood to flow upward to the heart and lungs; however when the vein is malfunctioning the blood tends to pool, causing the swelling and there fore the leg pain and varicose veins.
During Pregnancy
You aren’t the first person to ask yourself the question. Some folks go on looking at their Aunt Wilhelma’s purple splotches on her legs for years with out asking themselves, “Is that going to happen to me? Does it run in the family? Am I going to wind up with varicose veins because my aunt has them?” All of these are fair questions, and if we address them honestly we may approach an understanding of the probabilities regarding this disease. Because that’s what we’re dealing with here, we’re knee-deep in probabilities and variables. Those variables include diet, exercise, weight, and more.
Varicose veins are a problem that with time and effort will respond to holistic approaches to pain relief and healing. The best solution here is to look to natural remedies to help ease the pain and to look to preventative maintenance in order to keep the body of the sufferer as fit, healthy and strong as possible.
Acupuncture and acupressure can be put into play for this condition. The areas to be worked on include SP 5, SP 11, BL 38, ST 32, ST 36 and CV 1. Be aware that these two holistic approaches will not improve the look of varicose veins but they can prevent the condition from becoming more painful and from getting worse.
If varicose veins run in your family, they are like to appear or get worse during pregnancy. Additionally, if you develop varicose veins, pregnancy can make them appear worse. There are some developments during pregnancy that can cause varicose veins even if there is no history on them in your family.
Veins are the vessels that carry blood to the heart and in the legs, gravity is already making it difficult for the blood to make its return trip. Small valves in the leg veins work like a check valve to keep blood from flowing backwards. Genetically, the valves may be weak and allow blood to flow backwards, causing a build up of pressure in the veins. During the formation of varicose veins pregnancy can add additional pressure due to weight gain, higher blood pressure and the uterine growth.
