Varicose Veins and Holistic Healing (Part Two)
Varicose veins develop as a result of an increase in blood pressure that develops over time. This causes the veins to dilate. When the walls of the veins are then pushed as far apart as possible this means that the valves are no longer able to seal as they were meant to. This in turn makes it extremely difficult for the muscles to push the blood in the direction it is supposed to go, which is in an uphill direction. The blood is supposed to easily flow from one valve and onto the next valve but instead the blood begins to pool in a vein which then causes the pressure in the vein to increase which heightens the chance that congestion will take place in the vein and will change the way the vein works in that it will contort, twist and bulge in an unnatural fashion. Superficial veins are closer to the surface of the skin and they have much less support from muscles than do deep veins which means that the chance that they will become varicose is much greater.
Varicose veins can occur whenever there is a great deal of extra pressure placed on either the abdominal area or the legs. Varicose veins are also sometimes referred to as “varicosity.” It is common for hormonal fluctuations that take place during pregnancy or hormonal changes that occur as a result of menopause. This may explain why varicose veins occur more readily in women than they do in men. Deficiencies in the diet a person consumes on a regular basis as well as the loss of elasticity in the skin which are linked to aging are believed to also be contributing factors when it comes to the development of varicose veins.
There are factors that can greatly increase the chance that a person will develop varicose veins over time and these include constipation, clothing that is constrictive, prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, constant heavy lifting, and a lack of adequate physical activity. These factors can also worsen a pre-existing case of varicose veins. In the most chronic of cases, the veins that are distended can also have other symptoms accompanying them such as aching discomfort and/or itching. In some cases if the stretched skin ends up breaking down then open sores may develop.
A person should telephone their physician if their varicose veins suddenly become very sore, uncomfortable and painful. If the swelling in the legs becomes to the point where you are unable to walk or move about or if your skin where the varicose veins are located becomes ulcerous, discolored, flaky or starts to bleed then you will need to visit the doctor and might even have to consider having the veins removed from your leg(s). Removal of the veins can help to prevent further pain and discomfort and can help to prevent more serious problems related to the circulatory system. If your varicose veins turn a very red color then this could very likely be a sign of phlebitis, which is an extremely serious and can be severe circulatory problem.
