When it comes to the body, veins have an important role. But what is the role of those veins that we begin to see through the skin as we get older? Let’s take a look at varicose veins and spider veins.
The function of veins is to return blood from the extremities to the heart and then to the lungs where it receives more oxygen and gets rid of waste products and begins the cycle again.
Veins contain valves so that blood cannot flow backwards. It is already going against gravity to move back towards the heart in the first place.
The health of our veins can be enhanced by maintaining proper weight, exercising to improve circulation, and eating foods and nutritional supplements that support the liver.
Blood circulates through the liver, if the liver becomes congested, the whole
venous system can back up.
When there are problems with the veins or too much pressure on them, they can change in shape. Veins also branch off into other parts of the extremities forming what is called superficial veins.
Varicose Veins
When there are problems with the veins or too much pressure on them, they can change in shape. Veins also branch off into other parts of the extremities forming what is called superficial veins.
Varicose Veins
When the blood doesn't circulate as it should it can pool and form bulges that can be seen through the skin. Varicose veins often resemble thickened ropes and occur mostly in the legs but can be found anywhere. Vessels are larger than normal because of the back-up in blood flow.
Varicose veins can be quite painful. They often form during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the vessels from the extra blood volume. But, you don’t have to be
Varicose veins can be quite painful. They often form during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the vessels from the extra blood volume. But, you don’t have to be
pregnant to experience them.
The first sign that you may have a varicose vein is the fact that you can see and feel them through the skin. They are usually accompanied by cramping, itching, swelling and aching pain. Weakened valves may lead to the blood flowing in the wrong direction through the veins and the problems that come afterwards.
Varicose veins can be caused by different factors. One is pregnancy. Another is an abnormality in the veins to begin with such as weakened valves.
Standing in one place without moving can lead to increased pressure on the veins. It can also lead to blood clots in the veins. Blood clots can cause pain and inflammation at the site of the clot. Most are small enough not to be a problem in the superficial vessels. This is called superficial venous thrombosis.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are usually more plentiful than varicose veins. They occur in smaller branches off of these larger veins. They can be seen through the skin but are not palpable like varicose veins. They appear as a web or a sunburst design and are mostly bluish.
Spider veins usually do not cause pain. They are located in the legs, feet and ankles. Men and women can have spider veins but they mostly occur in women.
The first sign that you may have a varicose vein is the fact that you can see and feel them through the skin. They are usually accompanied by cramping, itching, swelling and aching pain. Weakened valves may lead to the blood flowing in the wrong direction through the veins and the problems that come afterwards.
Varicose veins can be caused by different factors. One is pregnancy. Another is an abnormality in the veins to begin with such as weakened valves.
Standing in one place without moving can lead to increased pressure on the veins. It can also lead to blood clots in the veins. Blood clots can cause pain and inflammation at the site of the clot. Most are small enough not to be a problem in the superficial vessels. This is called superficial venous thrombosis.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are usually more plentiful than varicose veins. They occur in smaller branches off of these larger veins. They can be seen through the skin but are not palpable like varicose veins. They appear as a web or a sunburst design and are mostly bluish.
Spider veins usually do not cause pain. They are located in the legs, feet and ankles. Men and women can have spider veins but they mostly occur in women.
Foods that support the liver are beets, artichokes, and dark skinned fruits and berries, like blueberries, cherries, and dark skinned grapes. Herbs that support the liver and veins are milk thistle, dandelion, gotu kola, horse chestnut, and butchers broom. Supplements include phosphorous, vitamins E and C.
Other suggestions
Put your feet up ...higher than your heart to allow the blood to flow back to the heart.
Run hot then cold water over your legs,with alternating temperatures the blood vessels expand and contract, ending with cold.
Compression stockings or support hose can be a big help if you are on your feet a lot.
Of course, massage your legs and feet: be sure to flex your feet and move your legs, don't just stand for long periods.
Address constipation with fiber rich foods, no straining those veins.