Varicose Vein Pain Relief

Varicose vein refers to an enlarged or swollen vein. Enlargement of veins can take place in any part of the body, though legs and feet are found to be the most commonly affected areas, afflicted by varicose veins. The veins of the leg contain one way valves that maintain the flow of blood to the heart against the force of gravity and prevent its back flow. Sometimes, these valves can become weak and fail to prevent the backward flow of blood due to several factors, which can cause blood to pool in the veins. This, in turn causes the enlargement of the veins, which appear as bluish, swollen and twisted veins. For some individuals, they may be quite harmless, except causing a cosmetic concern. But for others, varicose veins can be quite painful and discomforting, especially while walking or standing for a long time. Before we go on to varicose vein pain relief, let us have a look at the causes and symptoms of this condition.

Varicose Vein Pain Causes:
Veins basically depend on the surrounding muscles and valves to maintain the flow of blood to the heart. The valves of the veins, as has been already mentioned are one way valves so that they can prevent the reverse flow. Several factors can damage these valves and thereby impede normal blood circulation. Generally, a continuous increase in blood pressure dilates the vein, due to which the valves fail to carry out their normal functions properly in pushing blood back to the heart. This causes blood to accumulate in the veins and the consequent swelling and pain. This can happen more commonly to superficial veins than the deep ones. Heredity, age, obesity, height, posture and hormonal fluctuations are the major factors that can lead to varicose veins. Any factor that puts excess pressure on the legs can cause varicose vein pain in legs. It can be excessive body weight, weight lifting, standing or sitting for a long time as well as wearing tight fitting clothes. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins during pregnancy and menopause, because of hormonal fluctuations.

Varicose Vein Pain Symptoms:
Varicose veins often appear as swollen blue blood vessels in the affected area, especially in the legs and feet. They can become very tender and painful to the touch and make both walking and standing quite uncomfortable. Other symptoms are ankle swelling, heavy and sore legs, aching, spider veins and restless leg syndrome. Sometimes, one may experience itching and the skin can also become dry and red. Skin ulcers can be another symptom of varicose vein along with appearance of white patches on the ankles that look like scars. Sometimes, varicose vein may not become visible, but can cause pain and heavy and swollen legs, which can be an indication of varicose vein located deeper inside the legs.

Varicose Vein Pain Relief:
While treatment is generally required for painful varicose vein, the mild cases are not a major concern though they may look very ugly. For mild discomfort caused by superficial varicose vein, elastic support stockings can be used, while over the counter anti-inflammatory painkillers like aspirin can be used for occasional varicose vein pain relief. Surgery is often regarded as the most effective varicose vein pain treatment, though a number of non surgical treatments are also available. Such non-surgical treatment options include sclerotherapy, exercises, elevating the legs, laser surgery and radio frequency ablation. Sclerotherapy involves injecting chemical into the vein in order to cause its shrinkage. But, this treatment is more effective for the small veins and it cannot completely cure the pain.

In laser treatment, a thin tube is inserted into the vein and then the particular vein is heated with laser probe. Application of heat closes the vein permanently so that it no longer carries blood. This process is known as endovenous laser technique. On the other hand, in radiofrequency ablation, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the vein through a thin tube inserted into it. Like laser, application of radiofrequency energy also helps to close the varicose vein. However, in severe conditions, surgery may be required to remove the varicose veins from the body, which is known as stripping and ligation. The entire process can be quite painful and the patient may take considerable time to heal completely. Therefore, this method is generally employed for very large varicose veins. Know more about laser surgery for varicose veins.

Sometimes, regular exercises can also play an important role in varicose vein pain prevention, especially at the early stages. Exercises help to lose excess weight and strengthen the muscles of legs to prevent varicose vein pain and swelling. If your occupation requires you to stand or sit for a long time, then take small breaks to stretch your legs and keep them raised above the level of heart for few minutes. This would improve blood circulation. Also important is to lower the consumption of high fat foods, salt and sugar and avoid wearing tight fitting clothes and high heel shoes. In addition to all these, drink plenty of water, quit smoking, take adequate vitamin C and E and avoid crossing your legs at the knee while sitting.

A healthy lifestyle can provide significant relief in varicose vein pain and can prevent complications, like, ulceration, dermatitis, development of blood clots within the affected veins and development of sarcoma or carcinoma. But if the condition is causing severe pain and discomfort, then medical intervention would be required. In this regard, expert physicians can provide the much needed guidance about various treatment alternatives for varicose vein pain relief and complications if any.