It is not unusual to notice distention of portions of the large veins in the legs as people age. This is more common to those people whose jobs require them to stand at a longer time. This quiescent, upright position produces stagnation of the blood in the legs. Hence pressure and a steady strain upon the walls of the venous system at that point results to permanent distention, or “varicose veins.†Varicose veins may be prevented and stopped if at an early stage, those people who usually stand long hours at work will change their jobs. But, during middle age when this affliction occurs, it may be quite impossible to stop or cure it with lotions or other medicinal remedy. Surgical operation can cure and relieve the pain. However, aside from being an expensive process, it might cause you your job when you can’t go to work due to healing time. Using an elastic stocking can provide relief but cannot cure. The first indication of a varicose vein is a dull, aching pain. The vein becomes larger, knotted and distended. In extreme cases a rupture of the wall sometimes follows. This is infrequent but always possible. The veins are the vessels that serve to return the blood from the capillaries of the different parts of the body to the heart. The veins are found in nearly every tissue of the body. They are larger and altogether more numerous than the arteries. Hence, the entire capacity of the venous system is much greater than the arterial. The arteries, which are denser in structure than the veins, are also stronger and more elastic. They also preserve their cylindrical form when empty. The veins do not have this property, and collapse when not filled with blood. They have thinner walls than the arteries and are not so well supplied with muscular fiber. Hence they are far more liable to distention at any part where stagnation is liable to occur. All of the larger veins are provided with valves. These valves serve to prevent the flowing back of the blood. They are attached by their convex edges to the walls of the veins. Their concave margins are free and directed in the course of the venous current. They lie in close apposition with the wall of the vein as long as the current of blood takes its natural course. If, however, any stagnation or regurgitation occurs, the valves at that place become distorted, their opposed edges are brought into contract. The current then is intercepted, and a distention of the wall of the vein ensues, which distention we know as that very painful affliction, a varicose vein. As the primal cause of the trouble is stagnation of the blood at that point, acceleration of the circulation there would relieve that congestion; and the only way this can be possible is by friction. The most effective method for accomplishing this is with the dry palm of the hand, and the most convenient time– in bed and in the early morning. The conditions are then favorable, as the body is relaxed and will readily respond to intelligently directed efforts towards its rejuvenation or improvement. The trouble will most probably appear upon the inside of the, leg below the knee, running along the calf of the leg, but it may extend sev¬eral inches above the knee and along the inside of the thigh. With increased years, the conges¬tion of the superficial veins will extend lower down, immediately above and around the ankle. This may become discolored and assume a deep bluish hue because of the stagnant blood. Relief is obtained by friction, with the palm of the hand, daily and persistently. This exercise will relieve the congestion and will strengthen the minute muscles that support the venous walls. And if persisted in systematically and methodically, will finally restore the distorted venous valves to their proper position and the trouble will disappear. It is a simple, easy and effective remedy for a very annoying affliction. I speak from personal experience. The most convenient position is lying on your side. Start with twenty strokes of the hand up and down, following the course of the vein. Increase to one hundred strokes as the skin becomes hardened and accustomed to the friction. In an ordinary stage, this exercise can guarantee remarkable results.
