I started working in a Pharmacy in my second year at University, and started my internship at the end of 2005. As an intern, I learnt about compression socks, and at the same time learnt that many women working in pharmacy had varicose veins, because standing all day is a risk factor. I decided I didn’t want to get them, and ever since I have worn compression socks when working in the pharmacy. It’s something that I don’t see discussed much, so today I’m discussing circulation, varicose veins and compression socks.
Firstly let’s talk about veins and arteries- arteries take oxygenated blood from the heart out to all the organs and parts of the bodies, and veins return that blood. When we consider the legs, it’s a long way down for the heart to pump that blood and for it to come all the way back up, and after each push, there is a pause in between heart beats- so the veins have a system of valves to keep the blood from falling back down to your feet. Varicosities form when there is “venous insufficiency” and problems with the connective tissue around these valves, which means you see twisted or knotted looking veins on the surface of the legs.
The incidence for varicose veins varies from 20-50% in different populations, but women are at a higher risk. Other risk factors for varicose veins include age, family history of varicosities, being overweight, and standing for long periods. Pregnancy can also cause varicose veins, with the hormonal changes as well as increased pressure from the growing baby contributing- some varicose veins will resolve after pregnancy but many do not.
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue. While they can look unsightly, with bulging veins, some blue or purple, they can also ache or throb, and cause a feeling of tiredness or heaviness in the legs, particularly at the end of the day. Leg swelling, either around the affected vein or at the ankle, and skin itching or eczema from poor circulation. More serious complications can include varicose ulcers which are wounds that fester and take a long time to heal, and blood clots- either in the vessels close to the skin (superficial vein thrombosis), or deeper in the leg (deep vein thrombosis).
What can you do if you have varicose veins, or you have some of the risk factors and would like to prevent them?
As you may have gathered above, I am a fan of compression socks. These provide graduated compression – that means there is more compression at the ankle and it reduces on the way up to the knee, to support those veins returning blood to the heart. In most cases, compression socks to the knee is all that is needed- unless you have varicosities on the knee where the band sits, and if you have them on the upper leg a knee high compression sock will help but you still may want to consider higher stockings. There are different grades of compression, but unless you have a medical reason – and your doctor recommends them – you should use the lower flight socks level of compression or class one compression which is a small step up.
What else can you do?
Diet is important, as with everything. You need vitamin C for collagen production, which strengthens the walls of the veins. Whole foods, and less processed food is important and there have been small studies that have shown benefit with things like increased fibre, vitamin A or E.
Horse Chestnut is a supplement for supporting the veins, and it can also be used topically for varicose veins. It has anti inflammatory effects and helps with leg pain and swelling and may help with poor circulation.
What can we do homoeopathically?
Varicose veins are part of a constitutional picture, so in general a consult considering the whole picture is recommended.
Having said that, there are some commonly indicated remedies that often come up:
Pulsatilla – varicose veins can be swollen, and feet are heavy and weary. Red and hot swelling of the feet and lower legs, with stinging pain, worse in the evening. Indicated for hormonal times- pregnancy, perimenopause, and symptoms can be changeable or come and go. Can be mild, and tearful, or mood swings with irritability.
Ferrum Metallicum– varicose veins with heaviness in the legs. Swelling of the feet and cramps in the calves. May be anaemic, with pale skin, and weakness and fatigue.
Hamamelis – varicose veins that feel bruised and sore, but are not necessarily painful when touched. They may bleed easily if knocked, or could have easy bleeding from other areas- haemorrhoids, wounds or nose bleeds.
Zinc– varicose veins in legs and thighs, with oedema (swelling from fluid) and itching. Legs can be restless, twitching or fidgety. Worn out, with fatigue, weak memory and apathy.
If you are struggling with varicose veins or other chronic conditions, then a remedy chosen for you as an individual is the most effective way to use homeopathy. If you would like to make an appointment please use the Book Now button and select a time that suits you.
Image credit: Vectezy