வெரிகோஸ் நரம்பு What are varicose veins?

வெரிகோஸ் நரம்பு என்பது நரம்பு சம்பந்தப்பட்ட ஒரு பிரச்சனையாகும். பொதுவாக சாதாரண நரம்பில் ரத்த ஓட்டம் சீராக இருக்கும். ஆனால் வெரிகோஸ் நரம்பில் ரத்தம் பின்னோக்கியும் செல்லும். காரணம் நரம்புகள் ஒன்றோடொன்று பின்னப்பட்டும் திருகியும் காணப்படும். இதனால்தான் அங்கே சிலந்தி போல் நரம்புகள் காணப்படுகின்றன. பரம்பரையாக இது ஏற்படுவதுண்டு.

Varicose veins, also known as varicose or varicosities, occur when your veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and have a bluish-purple or red color. They are often painful.

If you suffer from varicose veins, you may have to deal with unattractive, painful, and swollen legs on a daily basis and if you’re often on the go, that’s not exactly ideal for living an active lifestyle. Varicose veins affect an increasing number of people across the country, including 40 percent of women and 20 percent of men. What’s worse is that if left untreated, these veins may cause more serious health concerns including the breakdown of soft tissues that leads to lower leg and foot ulcers.

Cause and Prevention of Varicose Veins

The symptoms of this condition include enlarged blue or purple veins on the thigh and calf, often paired with unappealing spider veins. Medically speaking, varicose veins are a result of venous insufficiency, in which unhealthy veins ineffectively carry blood from the legs back to the heart. Stagnant blood collects in the veins, causing them to become enlarged.

There are a number of issues that cause varicose veins, including hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, genetics, aging, prolonged sitting or standing, certain types of trauma, and previous blood clots. Although being overweight can put increased pressure on the veins, this is not a primary contributing factor; many thin people also suffer from this condition.

In terms of prevention, there are some steps that may reduce the risk for developing varicose veins. Weight management can help alleviate pressure on the veins and result in an overall healthier circulatory system. Regularly elevating the legs can assist in speeding the return of blood back to the heart through the vein system, while also decreasing pressure on the vein system throughout the body.

It’s also important to get an adequate amount of exercise, including walking, running, and other similar cardiovascular activities. The pump action of the muscle contraction of the calf and thigh muscles pushes blood upward from the lower body veins. Regular exercise is a good idea even if you currently have large and healthy veins because it can help prevent the development of varicose veins in the future. People who do yoga have also experienced positive results? The practice can help encourage healthy vein circulation and better overall health and wellness.

For many, varicose veins simply cause cosmetic concerns, but for others, this condition may result in swelling, discomfort, and aches and pains. If left untreated, varicose veins could lead to serious health complications like phlebitis, skin ulcers, and blood clots. Individuals with swollen, red, tender, or warm-to-the-touch veins should see a medical professional as soon as possible.

 

Symptoms of varicose veins

The primary symptoms of varicose veins are highly visible, misshapen veins, usually on your legs. You may also have pain, swelling, heaviness, and achiness over or around the enlarged veins.

 

In some cases, you can develop swelling and discoloration. In severe cases, the veins can bleed significantly, and ulcers can form.

 

Diagnosing varicose veins

Your doctor will likely examine your legs and visible veins while you’re sitting or standing to diagnose varicose veins. They may ask you about any pain or symptoms you’re having.

 

Your doctor may also want to do an ultrasound to check your blood flow. This is a noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves. It allows your doctor to see how blood is flowing in your veins.

 

Depending on the location, a venogram may be done to further assess your veins. During this test, your doctor injects a special dye into your legs and takes X-rays of the area. The dye appears on the X-rays, giving your doctor a better view of how your blood is flowing.

 

Tests such as ultrasounds or venograms help ensure that another disorder like a blood clot or a blockage isn’t causing the pain and swelling in your legs.

 

Treating and preventing varicose veins

In general, doctors are conservative when treating varicose veins. You’ll probably be advised to make changes to your lifestyle, instead of trying more aggressive treatments.

 Ayurvedic treatments for varicose veins

In Ayurveda, each individual is made up of a unique balance of three doshas, or humors. These are:

• vata (air and space)
• pitta (fire and water)
• kapha (earth and water)

Each dosha can have an impact on specific body functions, with imbalances producing illness. Because of this, Ayurvedic treatments focus on keeping the three doshas in balance.

Varicose veins happen due to imbalance of vata.

Now let’s take a closer look at the different aspects of Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins.

Diet

One of the factors that can influence dosha imbalance is diet. Because of this, Ayurvedic treatment of varicose veins may involve avoiding foods that can unbalance vata.

Food types to avoid include:

• Bitter foods. Bitter foods have a sharp, dry taste. A few examples include leafy green vegetables, eggplant, and bitter melon.
• Pungent foods. These are foods with spicy taste. Some examples include chiles, turnips, and radishes.
• Astringent foods. These are foods that leave your mouth feeling dry. Astringent foods can include some types of legumes, grains, and fruits.

Ayurvedic medicines

Ayurvedic medicines are traditional medications that you often take orally. According to Everyday Ayurveda, there are several different medicines that can help to treat varicose veins.

The ingredient lists for Ayurvedic medicines can sometimes be extensive. They can contain a variety of natural products, including:

• plants
• animal products
• minerals
• metals

Abhyanga

Abhyanga is a type of Ayurvedic massage where you apply warm herb-infused oil to your entire body. It’s believed to bring your doshas back into balance.

Leech therapy

Leech therapy aims to promote better blood flow around varicose veins. When a leech attaches to your skin, it naturally secretes a blood thinning compound. This keeps blood in the affected area flowing as the leech feeds.

Enema therapy

This type of therapy involves the use of medicated enemas. These are administered rectally on a specific schedule. Like Ayurvedic medicines, they contain a variety of natural ingredients.

3 Best Ayurvedic Medicines for Varicose Veins

                                

 

Sahacharaadi Thailam - Nagarjuna

Sahacharaadi Thailam is an ayurvedic medicine for varicose veins. It is effective against all types of pain especially affecting lower limbs. This herbal oil is useful in treating Vata imbalance, joint stiffness and muscle pains.

Ideal for both, men and women, this herbal oil is ideal for massage in treating varicose veins. It also works well in treating sciatica, numbness, tingling sensation, and lower backache.

Sahacharaadi Thailam is an age-old remedy for muscle cramps, muscle pain, stiffness and convulsions.  Doctors recommend Sahacharaadi Thailam massage in treating Backache, muscle weakness, pain in hips and arthritis pain.

                                       

Cardorium Plus - Alakanand

Cardorium Plus is an ayurvedic medicine for treating varicose veins. It is very effective in treating dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic disease. It also aids in the management of diabetes, hypertension, vascular dysfunctions.

Cardorium Plus consists of Arjuna, Pushkaramoola, Gokshura, Vrikshamla, Amalvetas and Jatamansi. This Ayurvedic formula prevents and manages lipid balance. It increases insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant diabetes.

Cardorium Plus also helps in increasing heart function. It increases micro and macro blood circulation. Thus, effective in curing cardiac diseases. Cardorium Plus also acts as a blood thinner.

                                        

 

Varco Oil - Nano Phyto Pharmacy

Varco Oil is a unique formulation made with special herbs which are very beneficial in treating varicose vein. Varco Oil is very effective in treating varicose veins, spider veins, aching legs and toes, heavy and stressed legs.

Varco oil is 100% Herbal Ayurvedic formula. It contains Aloe vera, Pure turmeric and Garlic. This potent composition makes it a great antiseptic, anti-seborrheic and astringent agent. 

Varco oil also brings relief from general fatigue and night cramps. It helps in combating ankle, leg and foot swelling. It can be effectively used for chronic venous insufficiency.

Does it work?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that currently very few clinical trials or research reviews show that Ayurvedic treatments are effective.

However, the NCCIH suggests that research may tentatively support some Ayurvedic therapies for:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• ulcerative colitis
• type 2 diabetes

What about varicose veins?

Currently very few scientific studies focus on Ayurvedic treatment of varicose veins. Most of the information that’s available is in the form of small studies or case studies.

A 2013 case studyTrusted Source discussed Ayurvedic treatment of varicose ulcers in a 61-year-old man. The treatment involved Ayurvedic medicines and enema therapy. The wound healed more than 80 percent after the entire course of treatment.

A 2018 case study reported on treatment of a 54-year-old man who had gone to the hospital due to vein swelling. In this case, he had a history of ineffective Ayurvedic treatment. His condition was treated using endovenous laser ablation.

An older 1998 studyTrusted Source explored leech therapy to reduce edema and varicose ulcers in 20 individuals. Researchers found that leech therapy improved ulcer healing and reduced edema, though they noted that further controlled trials are needed.

While not directly related to varicose veins, a 2011 pilot studyTrusted Source of 20 people found that abhyanga lowered blood pressure in some participants. Because high pressure in veins contributes to varicose veins, this could indicate that abhyanga may be beneficial for the condition, Again, though, more research is needed.

Lifestyle changes

The following changes may help prevent varicose veins from forming or becoming worse:

 

Avoid standing for extended periods of time.

Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise to improve your circulation.

Use compression socks or stockings.

If you already have varicose veins, you should take these steps to prevent new varicose veins. You should also elevate your legs whenever you’re resting or sleeping.

 

Addressing the problem

Physicians recommend a number of ways to help prevent or treat varicose veins, including supplements, therapies, and surgical removal. Many treatment options are available at a comprehensive vein center. One common method for varicose vein management is compression therapy, which health insurers often require before allowing patients to undergo more aggressive treatments. Compression stockings promote healing by lessening pain, swelling, and bruising through steady pressure that assists the leg muscles and veins in moving blood more efficiently up the leg and to the heart. However, these stockings cannot treat the underlying cause of varicose veins: failed valves. Even with compression therapy, the condition may progress to the point where more advanced treatment is necessary.

Sclerotherapy was developed more than 75 years ago and, at present, is one of the most prevalent treatments for spider and varicose veins. During the treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. Treatment can last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated in a particular session. Upon injection, the solution replaces the blood in the vein, generating irritation to the walls of the vessel. The body then initiates the natural healing process, the vein begins to shrink, and eventually it disappears.

There is also surgical removal, known as “stripping.” This procedure is done under general anesthesia and usually requires a one- or two-day hospital stay and a three-week recovery period.

An alternative treatment, and one being used by increasing numbers of patients nationwide, is Endo Laser Vein System, or ELVeS a gentle and quick solution to vein-related problems using laser technology. The procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, with minimal discomfort, short treatment time, effective results, and a rapid return to normal activities.

ELVeS focuses on incompetent leaky valves of the greater saphenous vein, which is responsible for most visible varicose veins. The system finds the greater saphenous vein by ultrasound, passing a laser fiber up to the vein at the highest point of reflux where the leaky valve is located. Laser energy passes through the fiber to cause the vein walls to close, and other veins that come off the greater saphenous will either require no further treatment or be much more responsive to other therapies.

After the treatment is completed, blood will no longer flow through the enlarged veins, and the pooling of venous blood will cease. Legs receiving ELVeS typically appear smooth again, and the treatment has been well received by patients.

Not all hope is lost for people dealing with painful or unattractive varicose veins. Through the latest and most technologically advanced treatment options, there are new ways for people to obtain the look and feel they desire for their legs, while eliminating major pain and discomfort.

Supplements for Symptoms

Some supplements deliver an anticoagulant effect, which can be effective in preventing blood clots; others can help relieve aches and pains.

Horse chestnut extract is a homeopathic remedy that supports the health of veins and capillaries. It can both reduce faulty veins from leaking blood that contributes to clots and increase vein pressure to more effectively pump blood against gravity and up toward the brain. It has also been shown to decrease leg pain.

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help with blood vessel elasticity and may relieve or prevent problems. Fish oils have blood-thinning properties, too, meaning they improve circulation and could lessen the pain caused by varicose veins.

Ginkgo biloba is an herb from the leak of the ginkgo tree and a rich source of bioflavonoids. These natural compounds help strengthen blood vessels. In addition, when taken alongside vitamin C, the benefits of both bioflavonoids and the antioxidant seem to increase. You can also get bioflavonoids from dark-colored fruits, such as blueberries and cherries.

About the Author:

Walter W. Tom, MD, FACS, is a cosmetic and vascular surgeon, and the medical director and founder of Aesthetic Laser & Vein Centers.

Compression

Your doctor may advise you to wear special compression socks or stockings. These place enough pressure on your legs so that blood can flow more easily to your heart. They also decrease swelling.

 

The level of compression varies, but most types of compression stockings are available in drugstores or medical supply stores.

 

Purchase compression socks or stockings on Amazon »

 

Surgery

If lifestyle changes aren’t working, or if your varicose veins are causing a lot of pain or damaging your overall health, your doctor might try an invasive procedure.

 

Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical treatment that requires anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon makes cuts in your skin, cuts the varicose vein, and removes it through the incisions. Although updated variations of vein-stripping surgeries have been developed, they are less commonly performed because newer, less invasive options are available.

 

Other treatment options

Currently, a wide variety of minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins are available. These include:

 

sclerotherapy, using a liquid or foam chemical injection to block off a larger vein

micro sclerotherapy, using a liquid chemical injection to block off smaller veins

laser surgery, using light energy to block off a vein

endogenous ablation therapy, using heat and radiofrequency waves to block off a vein

endoscopic vein surgery, using a small lighted scope inserted through a small incision to block off a vein

You should always talk to your doctor about your treatment options and the risks before choosing a method. The method recommended can depend on your symptoms, size, and location of the varicose vein.

 

Outlook for people with varicose veins

Varicose veins normally get worse over time. This is true even if you make the necessary lifestyle changes to control them and manage your pain. While they may be unsightly, they usually don’t cause any long-term medical problems.

 

In some cases, varicose veins can lead to ulcers or sores on your legs, blood clots, or chronic inflammation. If you have a severe case, your veins could rupture.

 

You should see your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms. They may then suggest taking a more aggressive approach, such as surgery or other interventions.

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