Venous insufficiency is a vein disease that arises when the valves in the veins (of the legs) do not function properly. Usually, the valves in leg veins allow only a one-way flow of blood – to the heart from legs – and prevent its backflow. In case these valves don’t work properly, then the blood flows backward, causing blood to pool in the legs, leading to venous insufficiency. Homeopathic medicines for venous insufficiency work according to the different symptoms presented as a part of the condition. The top homeopathic remedies for pooling of blood in legs are discussed below.
Legs affected by Venous Insufficiency.
Homeopathic Medicines for Venous Insufficiency
Hamamelis Virginiana – Top Homeopathic Remedy for Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins
Hamamelis Virginiana is prepared from a plant commonly known as ‘witch – hazel.’ The natural order of this plant is Hamamelidacee. Hamamelis Virginiana is used in treatment for venous insufficiency with tiredness or aching in the legs. Along with this, the legs also feel tense, and a dragging sensation may be present. Varicose veins are present on the legs. The varices may be hard and knotty. Pain in the legs usually worsening from little motion is another main feature that appears. Ulcers on legs with prickling pain that are sensitive to touch also indicate the use of Hamamelis Virginiana.
Pulsatilla Nigricans – For Venous Insufficiency with Cramping and Pain in Legs
Pulsatilla Nigricans is a remedy of natural origin prepared from the plant ‘Windflower.’ This plant belongs to family Ranunculaceae. It works well when there is cramping and pain in the legs. Cramping mostly gets worse during the evening. Hanging down legs tends to worsen the complaint and legs feel heavy, coupled with a weary sensation. A drawing feeling in the legs, tension in legs and restlessness of legs are few of the accompanying features. Varices on the legs are prominently present, legs and feet may be swollen, and burning pains appear in the swollen feet. Pulsatilla Nigricans is also indicated for varices during pregnancy.
Fluoric Acid – For Venous Insufficiency with Leg Ulcers
Fluoric Acid has marked sphere of action on the venous system. It is helpful for treating ulcers on the legs due to venous insufficiency. Sores on the leg with red margins appear, and pain in ulcers is present in a marked degree. Burning sensation in the ulcers is present, and there may be a copious discharge from the ulcer. Warmth tends to worsen the pain, and the legs tend to be swollen.
Lachesis Muta – For Leg Ulcers in Venous Insufficiency with Offensive Discharges
Lachesis Muta is a natural remedy for leg ulcers with offensive discharges. There appear leg ulcers with bluish purplish surroundings. Bottom of the ulcers is uneven and dirty. Pimples or vesicles may surround the ulcers. Thin or pus discharges from the ulcers come out, and these are usually foul-smelling. Sometimes ulcers tend to bleed. The ulcers are painful and sensitive to touch and may have an intense burning sensation. Itching may be present in the sores. The legs are also swollen and red. Weakness and loss of strength attend the above complaint, and these symptoms tend to get worse during the night.
Graphites Naturalis – For Venous Insufficiency with Itching, Dryness, Cracks on Skin on the Legs
Graphites Naturalis is used to treat venous insufficiency with itching, dryness, and cracks on the skin of legs. Itching mostly is seen to get worse during the night. There may be oozing of discharge (mainly sticky and gluey). It may be used in cases of stasis eczema (inflammation of the skin due to poor circulation). Varicose veins are present on the legs, and small pimples may surround skin on these veins. A feeling of congestion the in legs and feet can appear while standing. Legs may feel heavy and tense. They also tend to swell up and have shooting pains.
Arsenic Album – For Venous Insufficiency with Swelling in Legs and Feet
Arsenic Album is valuable in homeopathy for treating chronic venous insufficiency with swollen legs and feet. Stabbing pains and burning sensation (that gets worse during the night) in legs, a feeling of excessive uneasiness and restlessness in the legs, apart from feeling weak and tired are the main symptoms. Varicose ulcers with gray colored crust and inflamed borders and thick edges are also indicative of using Arsenic Album. The surface of the ulcers appears unclean, blackish, with stinking discharges. Pustules around the edges of the ulcer may appear, and burning and stinging in these ulcers is also well marked.
Vipera Berus – Indicated for Venous Insufficiency with Swollen, Sensitive Veins in Legs
Homeopathic medicine Vipera Berus is used to treat venous insufficiency with swollen and tender veins in the legs. Veins are blue and very tender to touch, and there is marked venous stasis in the legs. It is attended by pain and a bursting sensation in the legs. Hanging the legs down worsens the complaint. Elevating the legs bring relief. The person also complains of a severe, cramping pain in the legs.
Signs of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
– Swelling in legs or ankles mainly after long periods of standing.
– Pain in the legs that mostly get worse when walking, standing and better from rest or from raising the leg.
– Cramping in the legs.
– Tiredness in the legs.
– Dull aching, heaviness in the legs.
– Tightness in the calf muscles of the legs.
– Brown colored skin on the legs and near ankles.
– Thick, hard skin on the legs and ankles.
– Itchy, cracked, flaky, crusty skin on legs sometimes with oozing of fluid (stasis eczema or stasis dermatitis).
– Varicose veins ( enlarged, twisted and engorged veins ) on the legs.
– Leg ulcers that are slow to heal.
The risk factors for developing venous insufficiency are:
– Women are at high risk than men.
– Being overweight or obese.
– A family history of chronic venous insufficiency.
– Pregnancy
– Smoking
– Lack of exercise.
– Sitting or standing for long periods.
– History of blood clots in legs or pooling of blood in feet.
– Weak leg muscles.
– History of trauma, injury or any surgery of the leg.