Varicose veins are abnormally dilated, twisted veins caused by prolonged increased intraluminal pressure and loss of vessel wall strength. They commonly affect the superficial veins of the upper and lower legs. Long standing or walking increases pressure in the veins, resulting in itching, pain, burning sensation, swelling in the legs, and dark blue or purple bulged veins appearing like twisted cords.
In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Siraja Granthi. "Granthi" means knot, where vitiated doshas or dhatus accumulate. Here, impure blood gets collected in the veins. Excessive physical activity or weakness aggravates Vata, affecting the vein walls and causing rough, elevated, and knot-like swellings.
