Ever suffered from lower limb symptoms such as heaviness or tension,swelling,aching,restless legs,cramps,and itching? Chances are you may be suffering from varicose veins. Varicose veins are caused by poorly functioning valves in the veins,and decreased elasticity of the vein wall,allowing pooling of blood within the veins,and their subsequent enlargement. Varicose veins affect up to 40 per cent of adults.Varicose veins are caused by pressure in veins,increased capillary permeability,chronic edema (accumulation of fluid beneath the skin),repeated inflammation and obstruction of blood circulation. Risk factors associated with developing them are obesity,age,family history,high systolic blood pressure,smoking,diet,low levels of physical activity,pregnancy,abdominal or pelvic masses,special conditions like ascites (excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs),and occupations that require prolonged standing. A study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery examined the association between BMI and varicose veins. It was seen that women in the upper quartile of BMI (>30 kg/m2) showed a positive association with clinical evidence of varicose veins,indicating that increased body weight increases the risk of varicose veins.According to a research,lifestyle risk factors in women were associated with decreased sitting at work,use of oral contraceptives and obesity.Heredity,too,has a role in the development of varicose veins of the lower limbs. Research has shown that the risk of developing varicose veins for children was 90 per cent when both parents suffered from this disease,25 per cent for males and 62 per cent for females when one parent was affected,and 20 per cent when neither parent was affected. Standard treatment for varicose veins is mechanical compression,sclerotherapy (injection of medicine) or surgery. Compression therapy is done with lightweight hosiery for small,symptomatic varicose veins. Advanced cases require a heavier elastic support stocking. Mechanical compression is uncomfortable and subject to compliance. Patients can apply tight elastic bandage but even when applied correctly,bandages can loosen and become ineffective. In mild to moderate varicose veins,elevation of legs above the level of heart three to four times a day for about 15 minutes can help reduce swelling and relieve other symptoms.Injection sclerotherapy is used to treat all degrees of primary varicose veins. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate one per cent solution is injected,while the vein is emptied of blood,causing damage to the intima (innermost layer) of the vein and permanent fibrosis. Painful varicose veins with recurrent phlebitis (skin changes) are considered indications for surgery. Diet therapy also helps. Many physicians recommend a high-fibre diet with commercial fibre supplements and oral fluids to produce soft and regular bowel movements. A low-fibre diet can result in hard stools that can cause patients to strain during bowel movements. This strain increases intra-abdominal pressure,subsequently increasing pressure on the veins of the lower legs and the hemorrhoidal cushions. Over time this can deteriorate vascular integrity. Rich compounds that can prevent varicose veins are found in blackberries,cherries and citrus fruits,vegetables such as spinach,carrot,turnips and cauliflower and whole grains,particularly buckwheat and millet,oats,barley,beans,peas,lentils,baked potato with the skin,brown rice and whole wheat. The fibre in whole grains takes some of the pressure off varicose veins and prevents constipation.Avoiding salty condiments,alcohol,strong coffee and tea,white flour and white sugar can also help prevent varicose veins.
