Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a condition in which the veins become enlarged, dilated or thickened.



They have diminished elasticity and there are variations in the thickness of the vein wall. A varicosed portion of a vein may affect the whole length or be localised to portions only.

Veins are thin-walled vessels through which the impure blood is carried back to the heart. They usually have always which regulate the flow of blood towards the heart.



Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but generally appear on the legs. The veins of the legs are the largest in the body and they carry the blood from the Lower extremities upwards towards the heart. The direction of circulation in these vessels is largely determined by gravity. Though there are no mechanical obstacles to blood-flow, it is usually the incompetence of the valves which leads to an increase in pressure in the veins.

Varicose veins have an unsightly appearance and can be dangerous. A blood clot within a large, greatly dilated vein may break away and move towards the heart and lungs, causing serious complications. Varicose veins are about thrice as common an occurrence in women as in men. This disease is rare in underdeveloped rural societies.

Symptoms of varicose veins:

The first sign of varicose veins is a swelling along the course of the veins. This may be followed by muscular cramps and a feeling of a weight and weariness in the Defected leg, particularly at night, due to blood congestion. In some cases, the normal flow of blood towards the heart may be reversed when the patient is in an upright position. This results in veinous blood collecting in the lower part of the legs and the skin becomes purplish and pigmented, leading to what is known as varicose eczema or varicose ulcers. Both conditions cause severe pain.

Causes of varicose veins:

There is evidence to show that those whose work involves much standing such as dentists, barbers and shop assistants are more subjected to this disease than those engaged in other occupations. While standing erect, the venous blood from the feet has to return to the heart against the force of gravity. Other bad habits which can lead to the formation of varicose veins are crossing the legs, wearing tight clothing and too much sitting.

A varicose condition of the veins also results from I sluggish circulation due to various factors such as constipation, dietetic errors, lack of exercise and smoking. Pregnancy may cause varicose veins due to increased pressure in the pelvis and abdomen, which slows down the flow of blood from the lower extremities to the heart. Women usually suffer from this condition in the early years of childbearing. Obesity can also cause varicose veins.