 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Varicose veins are very swollen and raised above the skin. They are dark purple or blue in color, and can look like cords or very twisted and bulging. They are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg, anywhere from the groin to the ankle.
There is no known cause of varicose veins, but several factors do play a role in the develop of them. Some factors are heredity or being born with weak vein valves, and hormones; the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as taking estrogen, progesterone and birth control bills. During pregnancy there is a great increase in the volume of blood in the body that which causes the veins to enlarge. The enlarged uterus also puts more pressure on the veins.
Other factors that weaken the vein valves and that may cause varicose veins include aging, obesity, leg injury and prolonged standing, lack of exercise, excessive weight, heavy lifting, constipation, phlegitis, heart failure, liver disease, and abdominal tumors. A deficiency in vitamin C and bioflavonoids can weaken the collagen structure in the vein walls, which can lead to varicose veins.
Varicose veins usually appear on the legs because the veins in the legs have to toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure; pressure that can overcome the strength of these on-way valves.
Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. They can cause the legs and feet to swell. Although severe leg pain is not common, leg muscles may feel fatigued or heavy, or throb and cramp at night. The skin on the legs and around the ankles may itch or burn.
If varicose veins become severe, they can cause a condition called venous insufficiency. Which is a severe clogging of the blood in the veins that prevents it form returning to the heart. This condition can cause problems like a deep-vein thrombosis (blood clot) or a severe bleeding infection usually a result caused by injury to the varicose vein. Because the skin tissue around the varicose vein may not receive enough nourishment, sores or skin ulcers may develope.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Varicose veins: Soak a clean compress or wound pad with a mixture of (?) drops of grapefruit seed extract to 2-4 ozs. boiled (and cooled) water and place in the effected region (Renew repeatedly).
