If you hate the look of the veins in your legs, you may wonder how to treat varicose veins at home. The good news is you can do something about your visible veins without seeing a doctor. The not-so-good news is that no home treatment will get rid of the varicose veins you already have.
Most people with visible veins have both varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins are the larger blue or purple veins that sometimes bulge out. Spider veins are tiny veins just below the surface of the skin. They may be red, blue, or purple.
You may not have done anything to cause your visible veins. You may have a genetic tendency to develop them. Also, they often happen after pregnancy.
If you would like to lessen the impact of the varicose veins you already have and possibly prevent new ones from developing, try these home treatments for varicose veins.
Get Moving!
The best natural varicose veins treatments will also benefit your overall health. Exercise is a good example. It improves vein health in several ways:
- Improves blood flow. When you are sedentary, blood collects in theveins, stretching them out. Exercise gets the blood moving.
- Builds strong leg muscles. Muscles provide a squeezing or massaging action that is beneficial for vein health.
- Lowers blood pressure. High blood pressure may contribute to the development of varicose veins, as well as harming overall health.
If you choose movement to treat your varicose veins, look for low-impact exercises. Avoid pounding on hard surfaces, which could cause small veins to break. Good options include:
- Walking
- Rebounding
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Water exercise
- Strength training
You can also strengthen leg muscles with simple at-home moves like marching in place, standing on tiptoes, and alternately pointing and flexing your feet. You can do these exercises while you watch TV or do household tasks.
Eat For Health
A healthier diet can also reduce your chances of developing new varicose veins. Foods with fiber improve digestion and prevent constipation, which can put pressure on veins. It’s also important to watch the potassium and sodium content of foods. Foods that are high in potassium and low in sodium reduce blood pressure.
Try these super healthy foods:
- Beans
- Green leafy vegetables
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Carrots
- Oatmeal
Buy these foods in their least processed form. Foods that are naturally healthy, like oatmeal, are often packaged with extra salt and sugar. Fruit is better than fruit juice because you get all the fiber.
Shed Some Pounds
If you increase your exercise and reduce your calories, you will probably lose weight. That’s one of the best things you can do for varicose veins. Extra pounds increase the pressure on your veins and can cause them to swell and bulge. Smaller veins may break.
You don’t have to go on a diet to lose weight. Just replace high-calorie foods with nutrient-dense ones. Be more active to increase your calorie burn.
Reduce Sitting Time
Too much sitting can cut off blood flow to parts of the body and cause blood to pool in your veins. Sitting can be bad for other reasons, too. It can strain the back and weaken the hips.
Many of us sit in front of a computer for long periods of time, either for work or play. Also, streaming media makes binge-watching easy and tempting. You may not realize that you’ve been sitting for a long time. One remedy is a fitness tracker that will prompt you to get up and move around.
Elevate the Legs
When you sit down, raise your feet to keep blood from collecting in the lower legs. You can swing your legs up on the sofa or rest them on a footstool. If you are sitting in a recliner, use the footrest to elevate your legs.
The drawback to raising the legs is that it may cause you to sit in one position too long. Try not to get too comfortable!
Use Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are another way to support the veins in the legs. Stockings for varicose veins aren’t simply tight socks. They are tightest around the ankle and less tight around the top. This design encourages the blood to move toward the heart instead of staying in the lower legs.
Some people find that compression stockings make their legs less tired and achy. Still, there are some drawbacks to using compression stockings. These include:
- Appearance. You may not like the way compression stockings look, especially when you dress up.
- Hard to put on. It takes time to get compression stockings in place. If you have trouble bending forward or raising your legs, you may need help to get into compression stockings.
- Hot. Compression stockings can be uncomfortable in hot weather.
- Itchy. Some people find that compression stockings cause their legs to itch. And, of course, they make it hard to scratch!
What About Other Home Remedies?
If you are looking for natural varicose veins treatments, you may wonder about vitamins and herbal supplements. Taking a good multivitamin is unlikely to hurt and may help. The same may not be true of other natural remedies.
Some have recommended vitamin K supplements or creams for vein health. It’s true that vitamin K supports the circulatory system. But there’s little evidence that it can help varicose veins. Also, it may interfere with other medications.
Foods containing vitamin K are a safer way to get this nutrient. Foods rich in vitamin K include healthy choices like blueberries, spinach, kale, broccoli, and soybeans. If you take a blood thinner, you may need to monitor your intake of dark green, leafy vegetables. Ask your doctor.
Some herbal remedies, such as grapeseed extract, are said to be good for your veins. Remember that the government does not regulate food supplements as strictly as it regulates drugs. Ask your doctor before you take herbal remedies.
Consider a Vein Specialist
Some home treatments for varicose veins may slow down their development. None of these treatments will get rid of the varicose veins or spider veins that you already have.
If you dislike the way your veins look, you may need to go beyond home remedies. To learn more, consult a vein specialist. At Medicus Vein Care, one of our experts will be happy to discuss options for your problem veins. Book a free consultation today.
