Causes and Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Posted by sanjay on Saturday 18 Apr 2009

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The word varicose comes from the Latin word “varix”, which translates into the word twisted. Varicose veins occur when the veins in a person’s body are weak. The damaged veins become enlarged and twisted. A person may exhibit varicose veins when the veins’ valves stop allowing blood to properly flow towards the heart.

Instead of being able to move the blood to the heart, the blood flows backwards through the weakened veins. This leads to congestion in the veins. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body but they are most commonly found on the legs and feet. The reason they are so prominent in the legs and feet is because a person’s constant motion of walking and standing puts pressure on the veins in the lower extremities. This article will discuss the many causes and symptoms of varicose veins.

What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins can result from many situations. Elderly people, pregnant women and the obese are more susceptible to varicose veins because the blood is slow to circulate in their veins. Excess weight, whether from pregnancy or obesity puts additional pressure on the lower regions of a person’s body. A person’s lifestyle and personal choices can also lead to varicose veins. People who smoke, do not exercise, do not eat a healthy diet, or wear tight fitting clothing are more susceptible to varicose veins. They can also be caused by standing for long periods of time or even crossing the legs while sitting.

What are symptoms of varicose veins?
When a person has varicose veins the skin in the affected area becomes purple in color, much like a bruise. The veins become more prominent as they swell, twist and rise to the surface of the skin. This can cause severe pain. It can also cause the muscles to cramp, the ankles to swell and an aching, itching or burning sensation in the legs.

Home remedies
One of the best ways to treat varicose veins is to drink a mixture of carrot juice and spinach juice as vitamins E and C can treat varicose veins. The recommended daily dosage is 3,000 mg of vitamin C and anywhere from 600 to 1.200 mg of vitamin E.

A change in diet may also improve varicose veins. It should be fruits and only should be removed. After that period, supplement your diet with whole grains, legumes and raw vegetables. A hot bath filled with Epsom salt twice a week will reduce the swelling, itching and burning sensations.