Varicose Veins.

Otago Witness, Issue 2310, 9 June 1898, Page 48

Varicose Veins.

Varicose veins are always due to longcontinued and unusual pressure of the blood within the blood-vessels, which causes them to stretch both in length and in width. The stretching occurs at intervals, and is usually ia an advanced stage before pain is felt. The veins about the ankle or the calf are usually the first to be affected. A small, sapsrficial part of tha vein appears bluish ' and more prominent than usual and may have a beaded outline. This candition may disappear for a time, but it recurs with increased discomfort. The enlarged veins, unless cared for, are liable to a number of complications. - The tissue around an enlarged vein is poorly nourishod and is liable to itiiection and degeneration with rapid formation of ulcers, which are healed only with difficulty. The voin may become so enlarged at a point near the surface that the tissue over it may waste away and the vein be raptured. The loss of blood is then considerable. Such a rupture is alwajs alarming, and may b» dr.ngerous to life. The hardened tissue. otten found around varicose veins is area'nlt of exudation of the wateryportion of the blood through their/ weakened walla. The lower extremities are most -prone to varicosifcies of the veins, but the same condition is frequently .found elsewhere. The treatment consists in- early preventing their development. The:circulation, especially in the diseased vein, must be tonad up. Hygienic and dietary measures should be employed to improve the general condition. The vein must be supported by local means. An elastic stocking, an elastic bandage, or a common roller bandage does this effectively. The bandage must be tightly and emoothly applied, beginning at the toes, and by succesaive turns covering every portion of the surface. While Bittifig— the patient should elevate the foot on -a footrest. The foot of the bed should be slightly raised to facilitate the venous return. Standing, more than walking, increases varicosities. Walking and cycling to excess may also increase the difficulty. After exeroise it is 'recommended that the affected parts be bathed in cold water, and the veins firmlyrubbed in the direction of the heart. XTlces*. hemorrhages, and other complications call for a physician's care.

—In the same boat. — Little Clarence:" " Papa, is there really ' honour among thieves ' ? " Father : " No, my son ; thieves are just as had as other people."