A varicose vein is a condition in which veins beneath the skin or also known as subcutaneous veins are distended, dilated, elongated, and tortuous. The diameter of the varicose vein is 3mm or greater. The varicose vein is classified as chronic venous diseases of the lower extremities. 10% to 30% of the general population suffer from varicose vein. Varicose veins affect the vein of the lower extremities. The veins are great saphenous veins, the branches of saphenous veins, and other superficial veins of the leg. The causes of varicose veins are divided into three groups which are the primary causes, the secondary causes, and the congenital causes. The best painkillers for varicose veins are available online or in most healthcare facilities in Malaysia.
The example of primary causes for varicose veins is a primary venous disease. Previous deep vein thrombosis is the secondary cause of varicose veins. The example of congenital cause is Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. The other conditions which also classified as lower extremity chronic venous disease other than varicose veins are:
- Telangiectasia
- Reticular vein
- Venous ulcer
The underlying problem in varicose veins is incompetent valves within the veins. The valves are damaged and lose their function due to various reasons like inflammation and prolong venous hypertension. The risk factors of varicose veins are:
- Female
- Old age
- Family history of varicose veins
- Female which gave birth to many children
- Prolonged standing
The symptoms of varicose veins are:
- Leg pain
- Calf pain
- Leg swelling
- Calf or leg heaviness
Some patients may also be asymptomatic. Thorough history taking, physical examination, and investigations are necessary for a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of varicose veins. Physical examination and history taking are more for signs and symptoms identification and analysis. Investigations are crucial in collecting enough findings and evidence to confirm the diagnosis of varicose veins. An accurate diagnosis will ensure that you will receive the right and needed treatment. A recovery is expected with the right treatment. On the other hand, misdiagnosis will result in the wrong treatment and recovery will not happen.
Duplex ultrasound is a common investigation done. Duplex ultrasound is good and sensitive to detect the phenomenon that happened in varicose veins. Varicose veins can be mistaken with other conditions which are also classified as lower extremity chronic venous diseases like reticular veins and telangiectasias. The best treatment plan for varicose veins is leg elevation, leg exercise, compression therapy, and veins ablation therapy. Most of the time, venous ablation therapy alone is good enough to cure varicose veins. The prognosis and outcome following treatment if detected early is good.
The possible complications are:
- Venous ulceration
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Skin changes
Essential oils are proven to help in reducing symptoms of varicose veins and cure it up to a certain extent. Essential oils are obtained from plants, herbs, and flowers. Five essential oils are widely used in varicose veins. The oils are:
- Sea pine essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Horse chestnut essential oil
- Yarrow essential oil
- Grapevine essential oil
Lavender contains chemicals like serotonin and Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) which can relieve pain. The lavender essential oil can also reduce the size of ulcers on the leg. Seapine and horse chestnut essential oils help reduce leg swelling, pain, and itchiness due to varicose veins. Yarrow and grapevine essential oils are both helpful in minimizing the severity of symptoms.
