Are you struggling with varicose veins, those pesky bluish or purple veins that can cause discomfort and tiredness in your legs?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with practical solutions to help you treat varicose veins and improve blood circulation for lasting relief.
Read on to discover how to effectively manage varicose veins and bid them farewell.
Contents
Learn how to treat varicose veins effectively. Explore treatments, remedies, and lifestyle changes for improved leg health and lasting relief.
Understanding varicose veins: Causes and symptoms
Varicose veins, the swollen veins that often appear in clusters, can be a real bother.
They’re commonly accompanied by spider veins, tiny blood vessels on the skin’s surface.
These veins have valves that direct blood toward the heart.
If these valves weaken or get damaged, blood can pool or flow backward, causing veins to dilate and leading to varicose veins, which typically crop up on the legs and pelvic area.
Varicose veins may make their presence known with symptoms like:
- Discolored, twisted veins
- Swollen legs, ankles, and feet
- Shooting pains and muscle cramps in the legs
- Heavy, achy legs
- Itching around affected veins
- Reduced endurance in leg muscles
- Skin discoloration and ulcers
Factors influencing varicose veins risk
Several factors can elevate your chances of developing varicose veins:
- Gender: Women are four times more likely to experience varicose veins.
- Age: As you age, vein valve wear-and-tear increases.
- Weight: Excess weight adds pressure to veins.
- Genetics: Family history matters – a predisposition can be inherited.
- Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles hinder blood flow.
Proven treatments for varicose veins
Based on location and size, varicose veins can be treated using different methods:
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Sclerotherapy
This non-surgical option involves injecting a solution into veins to fade them.
A few sessions may be necessary, but the procedure is painless and doesn’t require anesthesia.
Some temporary reactions like swelling and bruising are possible.
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Stripping
This is a surgical procedure to remove dilated veins through small incisions in the skin.
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Endovenous ablation
An endovenous laser or radio waves are introduced through a catheter to generate heat and destroy the varicose vein.
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Endoscopic surgery
The surgeon uses a camera through a catheter to find the damaged vein and destroy it.
When to seek treatment
Although not all varicose veins need treatment, discomfort while walking or standing warrants medical consultation.
Similarly, if swelling or sores develop around varicose veins, it’s best to see a doctor promptly.
Remember, untreated varicose veins could potentially lead to severe health issues like venous stasis ulcers or phlebitis.
Post-treatment care and home remedies
Maintain healthy veins and minimize recurrence with these strategies:
- Stay active through regular exercise.
- Limit prolonged standing, and elevate your legs while sitting or lying down.
- Utilize compression stockings for improved blood flow and reduced pain.
Home remedies for varicose veins
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ad) helps repair and support veins.
It helps build connective tissue, collagen, and elastin, the two substances necessary for repairing veins, making them firm and flexible.
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E (ad) for its part ensures the prevention of blood clots by preventing platelets from clumping and sticking to the walls of blood vessels.
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Vitamins B6 and b12
These B vitamins (ad) also help thin the blood and remove homocysteine which is the cause of blood clots.
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Copper
Copper (ad) protects blood vessels.
This mineral is essential for repairing and maintaining endothelial cells, those protective cells that line the interior of blood vessels.
It is used by the body to bind collagen and elastin and appears to protect blood vessels from microscopic roughness that can lead to thrombosis.
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Bilberry
Blueberries and all very dark berries like blackberries or cherries contain bioflavonoids which support and strengthen the capillaries so that they do not transform them into spider veins.
Consider blueberry supplementation (ad) is, therefore, a positive contribution both for the venous tone and the eyes.
Accessories for relief
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Electrostimulator
This is not a foot massage but a muscle electrostimulation (ad) whose goal is to activate blood circulation and relieve pain and heaviness in the legs, feet, and ankles.
This device does not vibrate, it emits waves that stimulate the muscles of the legs to restart blood flow.
An essential medical device for varicose veins and even for treating restless legs
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Therapeutic pillow
Relieving heaviness involves elevating the legs for improved venous return.
While lying down it is crucial to keep the legs elevated to prevent blood stagnation.
Adopt a leg elevation pillow (ad) for quick pain relief.
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Leg massager
Wireless and rechargeable, this massage device adapts to the diameter of the leg with a Velcro fastener.
Its action is the principle of a pressure massage but without a kneading effect and without vibrations.
20 minutes of use per day of this portable massager (ad) allows you to eliminate heaviness in the legs, reduce muscle fatigue and boost blood circulation.
* Note that a heated version of this massager exists but that it is strongly discouraged for people suffering from varicose veins who must avoid heat.
Make no mistake about the model!
Embrace relief and take charge of varicose veins
Varicose veins don’t have to rule your life.
With a range of treatments, supplements, and targeted accessories, you can effectively manage and even alleviate the pain and discomfort they bring.
Choose to take control of your varicose veins – say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a better quality of life.
