According to a
number of studies, about 25 percent of all women and 10 percent of men are
affected by varicose veins. Varicose veins are dilated and 'puffed up' veins
that are usually in the legs that can be painful and have an unpleasant
appearance. But don't stop reading here, because there are a number of
at-home remedies for treating varicose veins that could help you or someone
you know with the condition avoid expensive and painful surgical procedures.
Varicose veins
are usually genetic, so if someone in your family has had them, there is a
greater chance that you will too. They are caused when the valves in the
veins that push blood throughout your circulatory system weaken and become
'flappy', causing fluid to accumulate in the veins. The common signs for the
development of varicose veins are tenderness around the area of an enlarged
vein, swelling of the legs, a tightening or itching sensation in the legs and
a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Although varicose
veins are usually benign, meaning that they do not put your health at risk,
their puffed up appearance is startling or discomforting for some, and
therefore many doctors recommend cosmetic surgery to remove them. Yet these
surgeries can be expensive and keep you off your feet, so it's best to try
out some of these simple and completely natural remedies first.
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1. Keep Your Feet
Up
Just like on any
long flight or an extended period sitting down, the blood rushes to your legs
and causes them to feel heavy. The feeling with varicose veins is similar,
and those that have the condition may experience swelling if they spend the
day seated or on their feet. To remedy this uncomfortable feeling, it is best
to recline with your legs elevated for anywhere up to an hour. This allows
the blood to flow away from the legs and ankles and back towards the heart to
decrease swelling and the feeling of heaviness.
2. Ice Your Veins
Applying ice or a
cold pack to your varicose veins can help minimize their appearance and
reduce the swelling around the vein. This is because the application of cold
restricts the blood-flow to the area of application, making the appearance of
the swollen veins less apparent. It is also recommended to take a cold or
lukewarm bath every so often to keep your blood-flow healthy and your veins
and vessels working hard.
3. Exercise
Regularly
performing cardiovascular exercise, either running, walking at a fast-pace,
biking or swimming, keeps your blood flowing as it should and prevents the
pooling of liquids in your veins. It is recommended to perform at least 15
minutes of cardiovascular exercise everyday (with approval from your doctor),
and not just to stay fit. It has been shown that regular exercise can reduce
the severity and appearance of varicose veins.
4. Flex Your Feet
Even if you
aren't able to get in a full cardiovascular workout, doing a few leg raises
or ankle circles will help keep your varicose veins in check. When you
contract the muscles in your feet, the blood is forced upward out of your
legs and towards the heart. By pointing and flexing your feet a few times,
circling your ankles, or doing heel slips where you slide your heels back and
forth can keep your circulation in check and blood out of your varicose
veins.
5. Try A
Compression Stocking
There are
special compression socks and stockings that can be purchased at most
pharmacies that will help improve circulation in your legs. As explained
above, when pressure is applied to the lower legs, the blood is pushed up
towards the heart and wont pool in your veins. You can get weaker compression
stockings, 20mm Hg, or stronger ones at 60 mm Hg (the stronger versions
usually require a prescription from a doctor). They come in a variety of
colors and shapes for different parts of the leg and are usually comfortable
enough (in the weak and mild versions) for everyday use.
If you or
someone you know has varicose veins, you should consult your doctor to
determine if you have a higher chance to experience clotting. These natural
remedies will help mediate many of the effects of varicose veins, but there
is no guarantee that they will completely disappear. There is no harm in
trying!
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Thursday, October 30, 2014
Home Remedies for Treating Varicose Veins
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