VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are knotlike, twisting enlargements of the veins, usually just beneath the skin of the legs. They are the result of a breakdown of the valves that are found at regular intervals in the veins. It is through these valves that the blood flows back to the heart, after having been pumped to the extremities through the arteries. These valves divide the veins into sections, each valve forming a floor to support the blood above it. When a valve degenerates, it cannot support the blood; when a number of valves in a surface vein break down, the weight of the column of blood becomes sufficient to distend it.
Varicose veins are seen most frequently in persons whose work requires them to stand or to sit upright for long periods. A tendency towards valves that break down easily has been found to run in families. Increase in the internal pressure in the veins is also a strain on the valves. This can be caused by heavy lifting, abdominal tumours, and pregnancy. There may also be a connection between the endocrine glands and the valves, which tend to degenerate with age.
In addition to being unsightly, varicose veins usually cause some trouble eventually, generally in the form of dull, nagging aches and pains. The ankles may swell. The enlarged veins can become the site of infection, and since the resistance of the surrounding tissue has decreased, an injury can become serious. The resulting varicose ulcers are not easy to clear up, especially in elderly people or diabetics.
In mild cases, varicose veins can be handled adequately by such measures as eliminating tight shoes and tight garters that restrict the circulation; elevating the feet at intervals; and walking about occasionally instead of standing still for long periods. Sometimes wearing an elastic stocking or bandage for even part of the day will support a varicose vein and prevent it from becoming more distended.
In severe cases, or with individuals to whom appearance is especially important, varicose veins can and should be eliminated. There are two ways in which this can be done. One method is surgical: the distended veins can be cut out or else ligated (tied off). Afterwards, the blood will flow through other veins. The other method is medical: a fluid is injected into the varicose vein, causing it to harden, after which the blood can no longer flow through it and will seek a new course. However, very large veins or other considerations may make the surgical treatment the better one.
Varicose veins can safely be injected in old people or in pregnant women if they would otherwise suffer pain for some months before childbirth. It should not be done in those rare cases where an infection of the blood vessels has injured the deep veins, because then the circulation in the leg would be interfered with. Of course, eliminating one or more varicose veins will not prevent other valves from breaking down and other varicose veins from developing. People who have to work in certain occupations, or who have a marked tendency towards faulty valves in the veins, are apt to have to contend repeatedly with this nuisance disease.
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