Veins Swollen

Sources: Papers On Health

The swelling of veins in the leg is a very common

trouble, especially in middle and later life. At first this may cause

no pain, one vein appearing as a little blue lump. Then as the trouble

increases, knots of veins seem to rise, especially below and behind the

knee. Great pain follows, and sometimes the veins burst, causing bad

sores, not easy to heal.



All this generally springs from overstrain upon the limbs. Long

continued standing, in circumstances otherwise unfavourable to health,

is the usual cause.



This shows the primary necessity of rest. Let the patient lie down as

much as possible, or at least sit with the sore limb or limbs supported

on a chair so as to be nearly level. If this can be done thoroughly,

all work being given up for a month or so, a cure is not very

difficult. But where this rest cannot be had, an elastic band, such as

is used by bootmakers to make strong boot gussets, about six inches

broad and one foot long, should be procured. Fasten this round above

the knee, well up the thigh. This will greatly help to relieve the

blood pressure on the lower leg, and is better than elastic stockings.

Before these bands are slipped on, the leg should be well rubbed or

stroked upwards, as described at the end of Circulation. This rubbing

empties the swollen veins, and gives great relief.



We have seen a man with both legs full of swollen veins ready for

bursting, and most painful, get on two such bandages, and go on digging

and working with perfect ease, while the veins sensibly contracted with

no other application. But it is not necessary nor wise to confine

medical measures to the use of such bandages. Rest is in some cases

absolutely necessary.



Even where partial rest can be had, it is important to wear these bands

and rub as described. But if possible, the patient should rest in bed

for one week. To restore power to the relaxed vessels, a large bran

poultice should be applied across the haunches behind, rubbing olive

oil before and after. Apply this for fifty minutes each night during

the week in bed. Wear a broad band of new flannel over the parts after

the poultice. In the morning give the same treatment. If in a week the

veins are not better, continue the treatment for another week. The

elastic band is, of course, not worn in bed, but may be put on on

rising as a security against relapse.



We have seen persons over sixty years of age completely cured in this

way, when the necessary rest could be had.



If the skin give signs, by dryness and hardness, that it is out of

order, instead of treatment with the bran poultice, the SOAPY BLANKET

(see) may be applied on the first night. The patient may on other

nights be lathered with soap (see Lather; Soap), and the soapy cloth

worn on the back for a night or two, sponging all over with hot vinegar

in the morning.



Where the veins by bursting have caused sores, treat with weak vinegar

as directed for Ulcers, and after each acid soaking, bandage the whole

limb (putting lint on the sores and dressing them properly) with an

ordinary surgical bandage, just so tightly as to give relief, and not

tight enough to cause any pain. Over-pressure injures. This treatment,

with the necessary rest, will in most cases effect a cure in a few

weeks.