Varicose Veins Varicose veins represent one of the most common disease processes of mankind. Almost 50% of women and 15-20% of men have some degree of varicose veins of the lower limbs. Varicose veins range in size from tiny veins often called spider veins to large, ropy varicosities which can be as big as ones thumb or even larger.
What are Varicose Veins
A varicose vein is the result of leaky valves. Blood is supposed to flow through the veins and to the heart. But when a valve in the vein becomes damaged, the blood pools, putting pressure on vein walls and causing them to weaken, swell and bulge causing aching, itching, tenderness, and muscle cramping. They usually start on the calf, but can be found right up to the groin. They are more obvious when you stand up.
Varicose veins are most often seen in the legs, although they also occur in other areas. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the rectum; varicose veins in the legs and vulva often develop during pregnancy.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins affect humans because we stand upright rather than run around on all fours. This means that gravity puts pressure on the veins in the legs, and they have to work harder to pump blood back upwards to the heart.
Sometimes this pressure can break the valves in the veins which should only let the blood go one way - towards the heart. This means blood can collect in pools in the veins. They are made worse by standing for long periods, by being constipated or overweight,.
Varicose veins are hereditary. Pregnancy, aging and menopause can trigger their appearance, but both men and women suffer from them.
Though not all varicose veins are preventable, doctors say people can avoid some of them by elevating their legs when resting, watching their weight and exercising
However, doctors caution that even after treatment, the condition may reappear, often afflicting a different vein.
Treatments available
*The information provided at this site is for informational purposes only. The information on this page or these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are not intended to replace professional medical care. You should always consult a health professional about specific health problems.
Laser therapy can be used to fix broken blood vessels, commonly called spider veins. There's also a new treatment, similar to laser therapy, that's called photoderm.
Another treatment is sclerotherapy, also known as injection therapy, in which saline injections cause the veins to shrink. A patient can easily be back on his or her feet in an hour.
The FDA approved, revolutionary laser-like light therapy treatment called PhotoDerm® Vl is a non-invasive, non-toxic method treating a wide range of spider veins that are often resistant to other treatments. It can be used in conjunction with sclerotherapy.
Horse chestnut is one of the better validated German herbal medications. Doctors throughout Europe prescribe horse chestnut to treat varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and leg swelling. Horse chestnut is the second most popular herb prescribed in Germany, greatly outselling herb extract such as Echinacea and St.Johns wort.
One way that horse chestnut functions is to reduce the number and diameter of small pores in the capillary membranes, thus reducing the escape of fluid into the surrounding tissues. This "sealing" effect in the capillaries improves blood flow in the veins, and reduces swelling of small veins in the legs.
Horse chestnut standardized at 50mg aescin, 3X daily reduces the breakdown of the vein walls (not recommended during pregnancy)
Bilberry, 80 to 160mg 3X daily strengthens the vein walls by improving proper collagen formation (recommended during pregnancy)
Research studies have shown that Grape Seed Extract helps improve blood circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins.
Diet and Lifestyle:
· Eat whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, grains, and whole grains
· Get regular exercise
· Avoid long periods of standing
Newest Breakthrough
Closure catheter a revolutionary new device to treat varicose veins. Closure is available in only 33 centers in the US. It is expected to become widely used as more radiologists become familiar with the procedure. Closure is done in the doctor’s office using local anesthesia. There is no recuperation period or side effects. Closure accomplishes the same thing as “strippingand ligation” without without pain, disfigurement, swelling and cost. The closure catheter is a hollow tube less than 2 mm wide that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink varicose viens by heating them from the inside. It involves a timy nick –less than ½ inch- behind the knee. The catheter is inserted and guided to the top of the saphenous vein using ultrasound. (1) Tiny electrodes at the tip heat the vein (2) shrinking it as it is withdrawn.(3)
Spider Veins
What are They? Spider veins are extremely small vessels that become larger as small venules in or under the skin dilated or larger. This occurs when the pressure inside the veins increases enough to exceed or overcome the normal resistance to blood flow. The ability of veins to resist increased pressure is decreased in women, when the blood level of the hormone estrogen is reduced, or as tissues become more fragile with age.
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