Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that look blue and are close to the surface of the skin. A vein is said to be varicose when it is dilated, lengthened and tortuous. These twisted, swelled and bulging vessels are commonly found on the insides of the legs between the groin and the ankle, at the back of the calf and as hemorrhoids (veins around the anus).
They form because the blood flow is too slow and the veins get slowly dilated and tortuous in order to accomodate more blood in the lumen. Another possible reason is that the valve in the vein are not working properly so the blood drops down with gravity and collects in the veins of the legs. It is believed that upto 15% adults in the western world are affected by this condition. Varicose veins are more likely to occur in women than in men.

Symptoms-

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Varicose veins includes the 17 symptoms listed below:

Complications-

The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Varicose veins includes:

Remedies-

1. Arnica Montana [Arn]

When this remedy is indicated, the legs look bruised, or black and blue, and the swollen veins are very sore to touch. The legs feel deeply sore all over and are also worse from motion. Lying down may bring relief.

2. Calcarea carbonica [Calc carb]

Varicose veins that hurt while the person is standing or walking may respond to this remedy. People who need this remedy often have poor circulation, with clammy hands and feet, and a general feeling of chilliness. They may have weak or flabby muscles, and be easily tired by exertion. Weight problems, cravings for sweets and eggs, and a tendency to feel anxious or overwhelmed when overworked are other indications for this remedy.

3. Carbo vegetalis [Carbo Veg]

Poor circulation with icy coldness of the extremities, and mottled skin with distended veins and a bruised or “marbled” look, may indicate a need for this remedy. The person’s legs feel weak and heavy, and often itch and burn. Poor digestion, a feeling of faintness, and a craving for fresh or moving air are strong indications for Carbo vegetabilis. This remedy is often indicated for older people, or those who are slow to recover from an illness.

4. Hamamelis Virginiana [Hama]

This remedy can help when varicose veins are large and sore, and very weak and easily damaged, with a tendency to bleed. Pain is sore and bruises like, and the legs look bruised and purple. A stinging feeling may be felt in the irritated veins. The muscles of the legs feel tired and are often cold. People who need this remedy may also develop varicose veins in the genital area or have a tendency toward bleeding hemorrhoids.

5. Lycopodium [Lyco]

When this remedy is indicated, drawing or tearing pains are felt in the legs, sometimes with a numb sensation. Symptoms are worse when the person is keeping still, and the legs may cramp at night in bed. People who need this remedy may have a worried facial expression along with digestive problems, sluggish liver function, and poor circulation.

6. Pulsatilla [Puls]             

Swollen veins in the legs, and sometimes even in the arms and hands, suggest a need for this remedy. Varicose veins in the legs feel hot and painful at night, with heaviness and weariness. Symptoms are worse when the legs are hanging down without support, and worse from warmth. Cold applications, motion, and cool fresh air may help. Pulsatilla is often helpful for varicose veins that develop during pregnancy.

7. Zincum metallicum [Zinc met]

 When this remedy is needed, the legs are fidgety and restless, with weakness in the muscles, crawling sensations, and a tendency to twitch. Large varicose veins may develop, with pain and soreness that are worse from touch. The person may feel worse from alcohol, especially wine.

8. Sepia [Sep]

Sepia is usually indicated in cases of varicose veins due to its chief action on the blood vessels mainly on the venous system. Stasis being the most important central theme of the remedy. This remedy may be helpful to a person who feels dragged out and irritable, often with little enthusiasm for work or family life.  Signs of hormonal imbalance are often seen (in either sex), and problems with circulation are common. Exercise often helps this person’s energy and mood.

9. Calcium fluoride [Calc flour]

Calc flour is essential to the connective tissue of the body; for all conditions of tissue weakness and elasticity of blood vessels as in varicose veins. It helps the tendons, ligaments, and joints of the body. Calc Fluor is used extensively for the teeth, instead of fluoride treatments of children, to strengthen enamel. Medical fluoride causes brittleness. Facial signs include blue lips, brownish black circles under the eyes, white skin flakes, and translucent tips of teeth. Raised or fan-shaped wrinkles around the eyes, as well as cracked lips. This biochemic remediy is usually prescribed in 6X potency.