Varicose veins commonly appear on the legs and feet, as we do a lot of walking and standing.
For some, they are not a medical issue; but for others, it can be a disorder of the blood circulatory system.
Usually, the superficial veins of the legs are varicosed, as they are subjected to pressure with prolonged standing.
You must know that from the bottom of your feet, your leg veins work against gravity - to pump blood back to your heart! In doing this, there are small valves in the leg veins that open - permitting blood to circulate back to the heart, then close to prevent blood from flowing back to the bottom part of the body.
When weakened valves in the leg veins are unable to function as they should, pressure begins to build up as blood collects in the legs.
As a result, the veins gradually become weaker, dilated and also twisted...
known as Varicose Veins.
What are the causes?

1. Increased pressure in the veins due to prolonged standing.
   
2. Damage to the leg veins.
   
3. Damage to the venous valves.
   
4. Heredity - Varicose veins run in the family.
   
5. Pregnancy - The added weight and a heavy uterus, put more pressure on the leg veins.
   
6. Blood clots and even blockage in deep veins can contribute to the condition.
   
7. Abnormality in blood vessels.
   
8. Obesity add more pressure on the legs.
   
9. Ageing can cause the venous valves to malfunction.
   
10. Menopause causes the vein walls to relax, allowing blood to accumulate.
    

Conservative Treatment includes:-

• Compression stockings, worn to correct swelling and improve micro-circulation in the affected legs; thus providing relief from the discomfort caused by varicose veins.
  
• Elevating the legs.
  
• Walking exercise on a daily basis.
  

Non-Invasive Treatment:-

1. Sclerotherapy, which is a non-operative procedure, whereby foamed medication like sclerosants are injected into the veins--to shrink them under Ultrasound guidance.
   
2. Endovenous Laser Ablation - The insertion of an Optical fiber into the veins and laser light is shone inside the veins...
   causing them to contract, while the Optical fiber is slowly withdrawn.
   

What about Home remedies?-

• Nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, also bioflavanoids are really effective.
  Take minimum, 3gm of vitamin C and 600mg-1,200mg of vitamin E daily to reduce leg cramps and pain.
  
• Fresh raw vegetables, carrot juice and spinach juice, packed with nutrients are good in strengthening the walls of the veins and preventing blood clots.
  
• Marigold herb is excellent in reducing varicosities of the veins.
  When compressed, marigold can be directly applied, or apply marigold flowers externally on the affected veins or ulcerated skin.
  
• Cold packs can be used daily.
  
• Hot baths in Epsom salts twice weekly, will soothe and reduce the swelling in the veins.