Guidelines for People with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged swollen veins that usually occur in the legs. They result from a weakness of valves inside veins that allow blood to flow back to the heart. If the valves do not work properly, blood accumulates in the veins, stretching them and causing varicosities. These prominent, blue, bulging veins are often accompanied by dull, nagging aches and pains.

Swelling, sore legs, leg cramps and feelings of heaviness in the legs are also characteristics of varicose veins. A more serious form of varicose veins involves obstruction and valve defects of the deeper veins of the leg. This type of varicose vein can lead to problems such as thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infraction and even stroke.

Most patients need reassurance that their varicose veins are unlikely ever to cause them harm and that treatment is not essential. For those who need or want treatment, a variety of options is now available. In discussing these, it is important to specify the potential complications, especially for patients who want treatment for cosmetic reasons or minor symptoms.

Medicolegal action against specialists for varicose vein treatments is relatively common. Patients should be told that varicose veins may recur -- but this is less common after carefully planned treatment. Patients for whom discomfort is the main problem should be advised that wearing support hosiery can provide good relief.

Elevation of the legs may relieve symptoms. Advice about regular exercise sounds sensible but is not supported by any evidence. For people who are obese, weight loss may reduce symptoms and would make any intervention easier and safer, but losing a lot of weight may make varicose veins more visible.

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provide a good summary of the usual indications for referral, including the degrees of urgency for those with complications such as bleeding. Emergency: Bleeding from a varicosity that has eroded the skin. Urgent: Varicosity that has bled and is at risk of bleeding again.

Soon: Ulcer that is progressive or painful despite treatment. Routine: Active or healed ulcer or progressive skin changes that may benefit from surgery; Recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis; Troublesome symptoms attributable to varicose veins, or patient and doctor feel that the extent, site, and size of varicosities are having a severe impact on quality of life.

For patients with symptomatic veins and substantial venous incompetence, surgery has been the optimal treatment for many years. Inadequate assessment and operations done to mediocre standards gave varicose vein surgery a suspect reputation, but in recent years thorough treatment by interested specialists has become more widespread.

Evidence from a recent UK based randomised controlled trial has shown that varicose vein surgery is both clinically and cost effective. Nevertheless, varicose veins may gradually recur by a process of neovascularisation (regrowth and enlargement of veins) even after thorough surgery, or they may develop elsewhere in the legs.

VaricoseBalm-Rx is a topical treatment for varicose veins or related conditions. This potent astringent treatment is to be applied topically to areas of venous insufficiency causing varicose veins, spider veins, or swollen ankles. Application of it brings about contractions and firms secretions. It is primarily drying to underlying tissue and prevents moisture loss.

Application of VenousBalm-Rx produces an analgesic effect and therefore used to provide rapid pain relief from venous insufficiency conditions. Its pronounced anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties prevent inflammation. Applied topically it reduces swelling in thread varicose veins and broken capillaries.

VenousDrops, a new all natural dietary supplement to enhance venous circulation, strengthens immune parameters and safely acts as a blood decongestant. The extracts in this homeopathic treatment have positive systemic effects to promote venous circulation. It is to be taken as a dietary supplement in tandem with application of VaricoseBalm-Rx.

In addition to its venous clearing properties, VenousDrops have immunomodulator effects that enhance the immunological, and cellular defense mechanism. Treatment therefore helps to alleviate symptoms such as fog and fatigue commonly associated with lower immunity, thereby providing an energetic effect. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.