What are Some Varicose Veins Home Treatments?

Updated on: August 18, 2014

While visiting a vein specialist if you have varicose veins is often a good decision, individuals suffering from this condition in Barrington, Illinois or other areas of the country may find relief from specific varicose veins home treatments as well. Varicose veins may be a discouraging and burdensome condition for many due to the not only the bulging, purplish appearance that the veins often assume, but also the pain and heaviness in the legs that is often associated with this condition. Patients are encouraged to speak with a vein specialist in the Barrington area for information about not only treatments and procedures that may provide relief, but possible home treatments as well.

While the only way to get rid of varicose veins is to have a medical procedure performed, certain lifestyle adjustments as well as various home treatments may help to provide relief from the symptoms of the condition. This may also help to avoid developing more varicose veins. Before adopting certain lifestyle changes, however, patients are encouraged to discuss the matter with their doctor to ensure that they are healthy enough to do so and that the change will not affect them in an adverse way.

Simply getting in shape and staying in shape may go a long way in alleviating certain symptoms of varicose veins. Exercise regularly and adopt a healthy diet to keep in shape and maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight if you're overweight may reduce the pressure on your veins, especially the veins in the legs. The exercise may help to improve blood circulation back up to the heart. Exercises as light as walking may help to achieve this goal. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are low in salt, sugar and fat is encouraged. Taking vitamin-C and other vitamin supplements may help t improve circulatory health as well. Before taking any supplements, however, speak with your doctor to make sure that it is safe to do so.

If you stand for long periods of time at work, take enough breaks to get time to sit for short periods, walk, stretch or flex to avoid blood pooling in the legs and to maintain healthy circulation. Compression stockings may be helpful if you experience pressure in the legs, as these help to milk blood back up to the heart. If you sit for most of the day, take breaks to exercise and stretch your legs. Also try to avoid crossing your legs, as this may cut off circulation. Also try to keep your legs moving a bit by pumping your feet up and down. If you can do minor exercises while sitting to keep calf muscles moving, you may help to improve your circulatory health.

Lying flat with the legs elevated slightly above the heart may be helpful to encourage blood flow away from the legs and towards the heart to reduce pressure in the leg veins. Try to avoid tight fitting or restricting clothing such as belts, girdles, panty hose and tight jeans. These garments may restrict blood flow to and from the legs. Flat shoes may help to exercise calf muscles more while you walk as well, so going with a flat pair of shoes rather than high heels may be a wise decision.

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