Varicose veins are common on the legs and feet because we do so much walking and standing. They are not usually a problem, but some people may experience problems with their blood circulation. Varicosity is common in the superficial veins of the legs, which are often affected by prolonged standing and pressure.
Leg veins
Your leg veins, which run from your feet to the bottom of your feet pump blood back to your heart. The small valves in your leg veins allow blood to flow back to your heart. They then close to stop blood from returning to the bottom. Pressure builds up in the legs when the valves in the leg vessels are not functioning as they should.
Causes
What are the causes of this?
- Long standing can cause an increase in pressure in the veins.
- Leg vein damage
- Damage to the vein valves.
- Varicose veins are a trait of the blood.
- Pregnancy – More pressure on the legs from extra weight and a larger uterus.
- This condition can be caused by blood clots or blockage of deep veins. 7. Abnormalities in blood vessels
- Obesity puts more pressure on the legs.
- The venous valves can become dysfunctional with age.
- Menopause causes vein walls to relax and blood to build up.
What to do?
- Compression stockings are worn to reduce swelling and improve microcirculation in the affected leg. This provides relief from the discomfort of varicose veins.
- Walking is a great way to get moving on a daily basis.
- Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and bioflavanoids are all very effective. To reduce leg cramps and pain, take at least 3gm vitamin C daily and 600mg-1200mg vitamin E per day. The nutrients in fresh vegetables, carrot juice, and spinach juice are great for strengthening the vein walls and preventing blood from clotting.
- The excellent remedy for varicosities in the veins is marigold herb. Marigold can be applied directly to the affected veins and skin or externally by applying marigold flowers.
- You can use cold packs daily.
- Two weekly Epsom salt baths will reduce swelling and soothe the veins.
