Does varicose veins occur only in legs?

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your legs with visible tiny, twisted veins after long hours of standing you are probably having varicose veins.

Let us know why and how varicose vein condition occurs in legs…

Varicose veins in legs

Varicose veins are veins under the skin of the legs, which have become widened, bulging, and twisted. They are very common and do not cause medical problems in most people. There are two main systems of veins in the legs which are deep veins and superficial veins.

All of these veins contain one-way valves to ensure that the blood flows towards the heart. Failure of these valves allows blood to flow backwards down the veins and results in an overload of pressure when standing. This excess pressure leads to widening of the veins so that they do not close properly. Blood then flows back into the leg along these veins and causes varicose veins to develop. Raised pressure in these veins also encourages the development of spider veins.

Symptoms pertaining to varicose veins

For many people varicose veins may not show any symptoms. They may only pose a cosmetic problem as the veins are visible through the skin. Other than cosmetic, the symptoms include aching, discomfort and heaviness of the legs, which are usually worse at the end of the day. Sometimes the ankle can swell, too. These symptoms are not medically serious, but can be treated if they are sufficiently troublesome.

Although varicose veins can get worse over the years, this often happens very slowly. In a few people the high pressure in the veins causes damage to the skin near the ankle, which can become brown in colour, sometimes with scarred white areas. Eczema (a red skin rash) can develop. If these skin changes are allowed to progress, or if the skin is injured, skin ulcers may develop. Skin changes are therefore a good reason for going to see your doctor and for referral to a specialist. In many areas there are special leg ulcer bandaging clinics, supervised by the skin specialists and run by specially trained nurses.

If unattended it can further complicate to bleeding, deep vein thrombosis and phlebitis.

Some at home remedies for curing varicose veins.

Exercise

Exercise greatly improves blood circulation can positively help varicose veins. Here are a few yoga poses that will boost blood circulation in your veins and help in preventing varicose veins. Walking or jogging for 30 minutes everyday can prevent the conditions. Yoga also has several posse and asanas which are helpful in curing and preventing varicose veins.

Changes in your daily food diary

• Fibre rich foods: Fruits like oranges and lemons are a good source of fibre. Also go for whole wheat flour breads rather than white bread. Choosing brown rice over white rice will also help to avoid varicose veins.

• Flavonoids: Rutin a flavonoid present in fruits like apples, grapes, apricots, berries and cherries can be helpful in preventing varicose veins. Rutin reduces the permeability and fragility of blood vessels, thus reducing the chance of developing varicose veins.

• Cut down sodium: Sodium or the salt present in your diet results in fluid retention in the body. Fluid retention can cause damage to your blood vessels mainly veins. High sodium foods include added salt at the dinner table, canned food items like sauces, noodles, soups, meats. Frozen fast foods also contain a considerable amount of sodium. Lowering the intake of these foods and increasing water intake can help you with varicose veins.

• Avoid BPA: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogen-like chemical used to line cans and bottles. It is inevitably present in all canned food. This chemical mainly comes from hard plastic and present in all grocery items. Estrogen like substances can put you at a risk of developing varicose veins. So if you want to avoid varicose veins, try avoid canned foodstuffs or go for packaging that specifies BPA free.

Grape seed extract

According to the National Institute of Health, taking grape seed extract, orally may help to reduce swelling in the lower legs and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, though there is currently limited evidence for its effectiveness.

A person prescribed with blood-thinning medication should avoid taking grape seed extract, as a dietary supplement, as it can interact with the medication and increase the risk of bleeding.

Choose non-restrictive clothing

Wearing tight-fitting clothes can restrict blood flow. A person may find that their circulation is improved by wearing loose-fitting clothes that do not restrict the blood supply to the lower body.

Wearing flat shoes instead of high heels may also help with varicose veins in the legs.

Keep the legs elevated

Keeping the legs elevated, ideally at the same height as the heart or above it will help to improve circulation. This reduces the pressure in the leg veins and gravity will help the blood to flow smoothly back to the heart. A person should aim to keep their legs elevated if they are going to be sitting down for long periods of time, such as during work or rest.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms of varicose veins and want a painless treatment alternative, consult a vascular surgeon in your town.

Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala is one of the best vascular surgeons in Hyderabad. He is a well-known specialist for varicose veins. He has successfully treated varicose veins for more than 5,000 patients. He has been performing the ELVT procedure for the past 4 years with great results.

You can visit Flow Vascular clinic at H.No: 2-22-298/2/A, Sree Krishna Diagnostic Center Building, 2nd Floor, Beside Kalamandir, KPHB Main Road, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. You can also book an appointment on https://drabhilash.com/book-an-appointment/ or call on (+91) 99896 49498, 99590 33037.

Visit https://drabhilash.com/ to know more about the treatment options for varicose veins.