Home Remedies for Varicose Veins

Varicose (derived from the Latin root "varix" which means twisted) simply means swollen. Veins, like arteries are blood vessels. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body while veins carry blood back to the heart. Did you know there are more than 60,000 miles of blood vessels within the body?

In healthy veins there are one-way valves to make sure the blood flows in the right direction, which is from superficial to deep veins and then to the heart. Faulty valves in the superficial or deep veins means that the blood can flow backwards, from deep to superficial and overfill the small veins. Some people believe that varicose veins are the result of long periods of standing, such as hairdressers or people having to work in a shop. This is actually incorrect and standing may only aggravate an already existing problem, but will not cause it.

Before we try and understand the varicose veins in particular, it is pertinent for us to understand the significance of veins and arteries in the human body. The veins and the arteries are the blood vessels, which carry around blood within the human body. As the heart continues to pump, it sends blood around the body through the arteries. The arteries keep branching into smaller vessels, until the blood flows into capillaries.

The majority of people with varicose veins are mainly concerned about their appearance. Some are concerned about varicose veins because of aching pain and discomfort that they can cause. Sometimes this condition leads to more serious problems. Varicose veins may also be a sign of higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system. Varicose veins is a common condition in the United States, affecting about 50 to 55% of American women and 40 to 45% of American men.

Once this fact is understood, it is much easier to understand how to prevent varicose veins. Standing for a long period tends to weaken the veins of the legs while sitting for a long period or sitting with the legs crossed tends to hamper blood flow in the legs. Thus, it is important to avoid standing or sitting for a long period. If you have to sit at work, stand up every hour or so and walk around.

Increasing fiber intake to 30 grams per day can help keep more varicose veins from forming. Adding vitamin A helps alleviate any varicose ulcers. Blood vessels are strengthened through taking B Complex One. Vitamin C promotes circulation and vein strength. Vitamin E helps improve circulation and make one less prone to having varicose veins.

However, when this option is not effective, another medical procedure called sclerotherapy is often employed. This procedure involves cutting off blood flow through the affected vein by injecting a substances known as sclerosant. Often, the injection of this substance is done several times until a complete collapse of the faulty vein is achieved. Afterwards, pressure is externally applied to the vein until its ability to transport blood is restored.