Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Seemingly harmless health issues are often your body’s “wake up” call. The best example of those being “varicose veins”. This condition is a prevalent problem around the globe. It affects around 10-20% of the adult population in western countries and about 5% Indian citizens, Unfortunately, many people suffering from varicose veins are taken unawares by the severity and seriousness of their problem. Which is why they end up neglecting its symptoms. 

In this blog, we shall discuss the minor as well as the serious symptoms of varicose veins which you should look out for! If you notice any of these, it might be a good time to get some medical advice.

What causes varicose veins?

‘Varicose veins’ falls under the category of lifestyle diseases. Poor nutrition and sedentary living reduce the capacity of the veins in your legs to function properly. This, in turn, makes them twist or overfill with blood. Eventually, the veins in your legs start working against gravity to carry blood back to the heart and lose their elasticity.  That is when you start to experience severe inflammation and discomfort in your legs. But your problems don’t stop there! Other factors like increasing age, pregnancy, obesity, family history and long periods of standing can further aggravate your symptoms.

Common symptoms of Varicose veins

A lot more happens than what you can see! Besides the visible symptoms and pain, there are a number of other symptoms of varicose veins that might vary in terms of their intensity from person to person. 

1. Visible Symptoms  

Varicose veins have prominently visible symptoms like the appearance of bulging veins on the skin. These veins are unmissable because of their dark purple or blue colour as well as thick, ropey and twisted appearance. The appearance of the veins on your legs differ depending upon the severity of the disease. 

2. Pain

Varicose Veins are almost always accompanied by pain. You might experience chronic aches in the bulging veins, followed by a strange throbbing and burning sensation. In such a condition, you can find it very difficult to sit or stand for a long time.  

3. Cramps 

Cramps are a severe form of body ache and a prominent symptom of varicose veins. As a varicose veins patient, you might experience muscle cramping or a sudden, chronic cramping sensation in the affected leg every time you try to stand or sit. In some cases, you may get leg cramps while sleeping at night. If your vocation demands prolonged standing or sitting, you might suffer from this symptom more than others! 

4. Swelling 

You will notice severe swelling in the lower part of the leg. Sometimes, the swelling can also affect the ankles or the feet. The swollen areas are usually accompanied by pain.

5. Skin problems 

Varicose veins cause a number of skin problems on and around the skin of the veins. The most common of these problems is itching. Many people suffer from skin discolouration causing the skin to look brownish or blue in colour. 

As shown by a study, varicose veins are also a cause of venous eczema. In such cases, it may cause the skin to get red, dry and itchy. Atrophy Blanche is another symptom of varicose veins, which leads to whitish patches near the ankles. 

6. Lipodermatosclerosis  

Lipodermatosclerosis is a condition where excess fat deposits under the skin and hardens there. Varicose veins can cause lipodermatosclerosis in some patients. According to a study conducted by NCBI, varicose veins can harden the fat above the ankle and under the skin in the affected leg. This can increase your discomfort as well as shrink the skin of the affected area. 

7. Other Symptoms 

Besides the above symptoms, you can experience heaviness, especially after exercising or before going to bed. You might also see the appearance of telangiectasia (spider veins) in the affected legs. Spider veins are small, visible bunches of blue or red veins, which are especially found near the joints.

Severe symptoms Of Varicose Veins

If varicose veins are not treated in the initial stages, the symptoms may get severe. As your condition worsens, you might experience: 

1. Bleeding or Bruising 

This is a rare condition. Often people affected by varicose veins might experience excessive bleeding after tiny cuts. This happens because of the blood flow in the opposite direction. It could lead to major blood loss in a short time. The affected area is also likely to develop severe bruising and blood clots if it encounters a sudden trauma or pressure. 

2. Thrombophlebitis 

Thrombophlebitis is a condition characterised by the inflammation of the veins. It is often caused by varicose veins, since the blood flowing backwards exerts pressure on the veins and damages them over time. If neglected for too long, it might lead to clotting of blood or thrombosis. This can harden the veins and cause more pain and discomfort. 

3. Chronic Venous Insufficiency 

Varicose Veins &  Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) are closely associated. They may succeed each other. In CVI, owing to the weak blood flow, the skin is unable to exchange oxygen, nutrients and waste with the blood. This can cause eczema and even ulcers near the ankles. These ulcers are typically surrounded by discoloured skin and require immediate medical assistance. 

4. Deep vein thrombosis 

Though there isn’t enough research to prove varicose veins to be a cause of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a study has shown that they are closely associated. DVT is a medical situation where a hardened blot clot is formed in a vein. It can be very painful and adversely affect the blood flow in the vein. It is a severe medical condition that requires immediate medical consideration. 

Curing Varicose veins

Varicose veins can be cured with the right medication and lifestyle practices. If you currently experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you shouldn’t let things get any worse and follow the right advice! To make your treatment safe and effective, we suggest Ayurveda’s best medicinal formulation for varicose veins, Kaisora Guggulu.

Kaisora Guggulu contains various ingredients that have proven medicinal properties to cure varicose veins. It heals problems related to the joints as well as the skin. It helps to alleviate both the internal and external symptoms of varicose veins. Kaisora Guggulu has strong anti-inflammatory properties and targets the root cause of your varicose veins to give you long-lasting relief.  

Health benefits of Kaisora Guggulu:

Besides treating Varicose veins, Kaisora Guggulu can:

• Help treat joint conditions
• Help cure skin conditions
• Promote healing, especially in diabetics
• Treat diabetes
• Improve inflammatory conditions
• Treat Inflammatory arthritis
• Act as a natural blood cleanser
• Treat Rheumatoid arthritis, gout 
• Delay ageing

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice a day with or after meals. 

Consulting an ayurvedic physician beforehand is strongly recommended. 

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any of the above-given symptoms, you should consult a physician at the earliest. It may be wise to prefer an Ayurvedic physician. This will give you access to numerous natural solutions that keep the side effects of allopathic medicines at bay. 

‘Varicose veins’ is a severe problem that demands immediate attention. It can become a major inconvenience in your life and prevent you from performing day-to-day tasks. Opt for Ayurveda, and save yourself from much undesirable pain and complications!