Varicose vein – Namashivayah

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, most commonly in the legs, caused by malfunctioning valves that allow blood to pool and veins to enlarge. Spider veins are a minor form of varicose veins. Varicose veins are often hereditary and can worsen with age, standing for long periods, or poor liver function.

Common Symptoms

Swollen, twisted veins

Leg pain or aching

Swelling in the ankles and lower legs

Itchy or irritated skin

Muscle cramps or restless legs

Risks of Varicose Veins

Blood Clots

Varicose veins increase the risk of surface vein clots and, rarely, deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI):

Prolonged venous pressure can impair blood flow back to the heart, causing skin changes, swelling, and ulcerations.

Skin Ulcers

Untreated varicose veins can cause venous ulcers near the ankles, with a 3–5% higher risk over time.

Bleeding

Varicose veins close to the skin’s surface are at risk of rupturing, causing unexpected and sometimes severe bleeding.

Stages of Varicose Veins

1. Reticular veins or spider veins

2. Varicose veins or venous nodes

3. Edema of the lower legs

4. Varicose eczema or trophic ulcer

Limitations of existing modalities to treat varicose veins

The existing treatment available to cure varicose veins is the predominant usage of anti-coagulant, which has its own set of side-effects. The limitations with blood-thinners are that it doesn’t address the root cause i.e. liver abnormalities. Adding on, the blood thinning agents cause severe bleeding in any part of the body in the long term. The long-term usage of blood thinners can also result in blood in urine / stool and can lead to heavier menstrual flows.