Vein Care Tips - Things You Can Do at Home to Ease Your Symptoms

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern, they can also cause pain and lead to more serious conditions down the road. It is important to see a Vein Care Center as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment, but there are some simple things you can do at home to ease your symptoms while you wait for your appointment.

1. Elevate Your Legs.

By elevating your legs several times throughout the day on pillows or other furniture you can help reduce the pressure in the blood vessels of your legs, which is a primary cause of vein pain. Taking regular walks and incorporating standing breaks into your workday can also help improve blood flow. Drinking plenty of fluids is important for good health, but avoid caffeinated beverages that can dehydrate you.

2. Wear Loose Clothing.

Tight clothes can restrict the flow of blood to your legs and can irritate your varicose veins. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing that fits well around your waistline and legs. 3. Do Leg Exercises.
Regular leg exercises and calf-strengthening stretches can strengthen your legs, which helps support the veins. You can find many free calf-strengthening exercises online, or ask your vein specialist for recommendations. 4. Try Herbal and Natural Remedies.
Various herbs and natural remedies can help relieve the pain of varicose veins, including horse chestnut seed extract and bilberry leaf or fruit capsules. However, talk to your health care provider before trying any herb or dietary supplement to make sure it is safe for you. 5. Take Over-the-Counter and Prescribed Painkillers.
Over-the-counter and prescription painkillers may help relieve the itching and burning caused by your varicose veins, especially when you are sitting or lying down for long periods of time. Having a good diet, regular exercise and avoiding tight pants and shoes can also help you manage the pain and discomfort from your varicose veins.

6. Get Vein Treatment.

The most effective treatments for varicose vein pain are medical procedures performed under the expert care of a board-certified vein specialist. The most common procedures include laser treatment (sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation), surgical stripping, and other catheter-based treatments that destroy or seal off the damaged veins.

Varicose veins happen when the walls of your veins weaken and the valves that keep blood moving in one direction stop working properly. Over time, this sluggish blood causes your veins to stretch, bulge and twist, which leads to the painful bumps we call varicose veins. Health experts aren't sure why the walls of your veins weaken and valves become faulty, but there are some risk factors that can increase your chances of getting them. These include being female, age, pregnancy or having a family history of them. Other risk factors include having high blood pressure, obesity and wearing tight clothing. Varicose vein treatment can be a quick, minimally invasive procedure that will greatly improve your comfort and prevent complications down the road.