For varicose veins, there are many treatments a doctor can perform that will ease symptoms and get rid of their unsightly appearance. However, many people prefer to try home care before they spring for more drastic treatments. Much of the time, home care can help lessen the symptoms of varicose veins or even prevent them from forming.
Home care and prevention for enlarged, twisted, swollen veins comprises using a combination of treatments and techniques that will ease the stress put on veins in the legs and help improve blood flow back to the heart.
People with varicose veins should neither sit nor stand for long periods. This will lead to poor circulation, which will worsen the problem. Instead, encourage circulating by getting up and walking around for a certain amount of time every hour.
For those who must stand for long periods, there are exercises that can encourage circulation. Some exercises simply require the individual to stand in place. Another exercise requires the individual to march in place to help pump blood back up to the heart.
Not only will exercise increase circulation, it will help keep the heart and circulatory system healthier overall. Better circulation will help veins do their work, even when the valves within them don’t work properly.
For people with varicose veins, elevating their legs is an important part of helping fight gravity. One of the main reasons the veins become enlarged and twisted is because blood can’t properly make the return trip up the veins to the heart to re-circulate.
Elevating the legs above the level of the heart helps with this problem. People with varicose veins can take a few short rests a day to get their legs elevated. This can also be done at night while sleeping in bed by propping a few pillows underneath the feet.
People who carry extra weight put more stress on their veins and arteries. Keeping excess weight off means that the veins will have an easier time doing their job.
Eating healthy is a good idea for any person, no matter what health condition(s) they may have. For people with varicose veins, certain foods can help support vein health, and avoiding others will assist the veins so they can work at their optimum level. In general, avoid salty foods, which can cause swelling due to water retention.
People with varicose veins should avoid clothing that may cut off their circulation, especially near the groin, legs, and waist. Avoid tight-fitting pants and cinching belts. In addition, shoes with high heels should be avoided, as they don’t work the calves as much as low-heeled shoes while walking. This aids veins because the calf muscles help compress them, encouraging blood flow up toward the heart.
