Varicose veins : What is it & how can it be managed

Varicose veins are characterised by subcutaneous dilated, tortuous veins greater than or equal to three millimetres. For many people, it is initially a cosmetic concern. However, if left untreated it may lead to pain and difficulty in standing or walking over time.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643#dialogId58336613

Who does it affect?

• Occupation that involves prolonged hours of standing

• genetic predisposition

• Consumption of oral contraceptive pills

• Women beyond their 40s are more likely to be affected

• Obesity

• Multiparity (multiple pregnancies)

• Diet poor in nutrition (deprived of vitamins and minerals)

• According to Siddha Medicine,

  • long-term constipation can also be one of the contributing factors

  • சிங்குவை & அபானன் நாடி பாதிப்பு

Symptoms

• Leg heaviness

• Itching

• Cramps

• Mild tenderness

• Skin discolouration

• Exercise intolerance

• Leg fatigue

Treatment & Management in Siddha Medicine

In modern medicine, the treatment options include injection sclerotherapy, saphenous ligation, phlebectomy, etc. There is no complete cure for varicose veins.

However, it is a condition that can be managed well. Herbs such as curcuma longa & indigofera tinctioria are use in medicines. External therapy such as pattru (பற்று) and varmam therapy (வர்ம சிகிச்சை) can be done to manage this well. Moreover, your physician will teach you exercises & lifestyle changes tailored to your needs & body type to prevent this condition from worsening.

Complications

A venous disease as such should not be ignored & needs to be taken care of as early as possible to avoid unnecessary complications such as,

• Venous ulcer

• Lipodermatosclerosis

• Chronic pain & difficulty in walking

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• pulmonary embolism (PE)

• Superficial thrombophlebitis

• Superficial vein thrombosis

Seek help from your physician to treat your condition early.

References:

1. Antani, Meghal R., and Jeffery B. Dattilo. “Varicose Veins.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/.

2. Mayo Clinic. “Varicose Veins - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643.