Varicose veins

The venous system is that part of the circulatory system which gathers waste for disposal purposes. There are deep veins and superficial ones. 

Varicose veins are considered superficial veins. Generally speaking, they represent a much lesser risk factor than problems with the deep veins. But, symptoms of swelling, heaviness and pain in the legs as well as the visual effects of these superficial veins can restrict one’s lifestyle.

Varicose veins are a sign that the walls of the venous system are weak and that the valves, which are suppose to ensure that blood is flowing in the direction of the heart, may be malfunctioning. Venous blood from the feet must flow against gravity towards the heart. It is literally an upward marathon.

The strength of this flow is incumbent on the strength of the heartbeat, the muscular movement of the legs, and the unencumbered flow of the blood. The sheer distance from the feet to the heart make the legs a very vulnerable area for the development of varicose veins.

If the walls of the venous system are not healthy and flexible, any obstacle along the way will cause the blood to “pool”, stretching the vein and making it visible to the naked eye.

In other words, the vein loses tone and is unable to support the required pressure to move blood against gravity.

Showing up more in industrialized countries, venous insufficiency affects approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men. Although, men do not have the risk factors associated with pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations, the effects of leg pain and heaviness can stop them from regularly participating in athletic activities and may limit their endurance.

We tend to regard varicose veins mostly as a cosmetic problem, but they can sometimes develop into extremely painful ulcers. These may form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles.

Yes, hemorrhoids are varicosities of the veins in the anus. Pressure on veins at the junction of the rectum and the anus damage the valve and cause hemorrhoids to develop.

• You often feel tension or heaviness in the legs.
• Discomfort lessens when you raise your legs.
• You occasionally have swollen lower legs or ankles. If the circumference of your calves and ankles before bedtime is greater than it is first thing in the morning, this is an indication of leg swelling and possible susceptibility to varicose veins.
• You tend to have hemorrhoids.
• You have the beginning signs of tiny, blue or red blood vessels. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are much smaller and closer to the skin’s surface.

Your strategies are varied and some may be more beneficial to you than another person, depending on your risk factors. They include:

Medical
There are certain medical procedures, which can remove the appearance of varicose veins. It should be noted however, that these procedures are usually temporary in their effect and will not prevent the development of future varicosities. These cosmetic procedures include; laser surgeries and vein stripping.

Then, there are support hoses that can be purchased at most pharmacies. Prescription-strength hoses are also available. Although effective, support hoses are very uncomfortable.

Nutrition and lifestyle
Consult the article: Varicose veins health tips

Natural Solutions
Herbalists around the world recommend the use of Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) remedies to support vein health and reduce the symptoms of swelling.
A.Vogel Venaforce™ products are made from fresh Horse Chestnut seeds and help minimize the appearance of varicose veins, spider veins and broken capillaries.

Venaforce Liquid ideal preventive measure.

Venaforce Forte is the strongest. Its greater efficacy is due to the higher concentration of the active ingredient aescine (50 mg per tablet). It is an ideal treatment for hemorrhoids. 

Venaforce Gel provides rapid relief of heavy, tired and painful legs. Always massage it into the legs with an upward movement to promote the flow of blood to the heart. Its overall effectiveness in relieving the general symptoms of venous insufficiency has been confirmed by a 97% success rate.¹ Avoid using Venaforce Gel as an external treatment for hemorrhoids.

Calcium deficiencies are often present in leg ulcers. The use of A.Vogel Calcium Absorber-Urticalcin will help the body absorb calcium and could be useful. Leafy green vegetables can also be a good easily absorbed source of calcium. Ulcers, which usually follow a brownish pigmentation of the skin, require immediate medical attention.

^{1-Geissbühler, S., Gegenring, F.H. “Traitement de l’insuffisance veineuse chronique par Aesculaforce [Venaforce in Canada] gel pour les veines.” Schweiz Zschr GanzheitMedizin, 1999, 11(2):82-87.}