Large, bluish veins that are visible through the surface of your skin are medically termed as varicose veins. On the other hand, the small, twisted version of veins on the legs are referred to as spider veins. These usually occur on your calves and thighs due to irregular blood flow in veins owing to weakened walls or other reasons. WebMD reports that approximately30%-60% of adults suffer from spider veins or varicose veins.
Numerous risk factors contribute to the development of such superficial veins. These include hereditary, obesity, hormonal imbalances such as those experienced during menopause, pregnancy, and puberty, and a history of blood clots. An occupation that demands constant standing can also chip in increased odds of formation of varicose veins.
Sometimes the problem can aggravate to give way for the development of a leg ulcer. In such a case, you might want to check out the treatment for venous leg ulcer. In the US, venous leg ulcers account for70-90% of the lower leg ulcers. The most critical treatment aspect of these is the correct application of compression bandages.
Or, in retrospect, a person can start by nipping the evil of varicose veins in the bud. This will naturally lower the chances of venous leg ulcers.
Here is a look at home remedies for treating varicose veins:
1.Physical Activity
Exercise encourages increased blood circulation. In the case of varicose veins, blood pools in the area of the damaged vein. Physical activity will, however, promote blood flow back to the heart. Therefore, it helps in combating the unhealthy effects of varicose veins.
Ideally, you should aim for low-impact exercises. These will move the calf muscles but without excess strain. Thus, your options include yoga, swimming, cycling, and walking.
2.Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are another good treatment plan for varicose veins. These are also helpful in the case of venous leg ulcers. Compression stockings apply pressure to your legs, while simultaneously encouraging the blood to move to the heart.
A 2018study confirms that individuals who used compression stockings that provided a pressure ranging between 18 to 21 mmHg for a week reported improvement. These people observed a decline in the ache linked with varicose veins. You can get compression stockings both online as well as in pharmacies.
3.Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity is one of the factors that multiply the risk of formation of varicose veins. This is because the excess weight adds pressure on your legs, which sets the ground for spider veins by encouraging reflux or inflammation.
As per a report, the link between varicose veins and obesity commonly goes unnoticed. In the case of obese folks, it is often onerous to assess and treat varicose veins, which is why the development of varicose veins remains under the radar. It is only when these veins become overly inflamed and increase in size that they are noticed. Thus, it is crucial to maintain a healthy weight.
4.Use Essential Oils
Essential oils also play a helpful role in getting rid of varicose veins naturally. Different essential oils work to improve the blood flow. These also help reduce hormonal imbalances and inflammation. For instance, applying cypress oil to the affected area is a good remedy for varicose veins. It promotes increased blood circulation, therefore, helps curtail the problem.
Research also applauds the role of horse chestnut oil in this regard. It highlights that this essential oil can help lessen leg aches, itching, and heaviness in people who suffer from chronic venous insufficiency. This is a leading cause of spider veins. It is better to use these essential oils in the diluted company of other carrier oils before they are applied topically.
5.Herbal remedies
Some herbal extracts are also noted for their effective role in helping deal with varicose veins. The National Institute of Health commends the oral intake of grape seed extract. It can aid in calming the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency including swelling. Anotherstudy indicates that grape seed extract, as well as rutosides, may contribute to less cramping and swelling in legs.
Rutoside is a bioflavonoid and is also called rutin. It can be commonly found in various food sources such apples, buckwheat, gingko biloba, and St. John’s wort to name a few. Rutin is an antioxidant and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which help yield vascular health. It is commonly used for remedying varicose veins.
6.Dietary Measures
You can also improve your condition of varicose veins by eating the right foods. The chief aim is to reduce constipation and pare down water retention. You will also have to include antioxidant enriched food items in your diet.
Constipation amps up the risk of applying pressure to your legs. To combat it, you will need to add food sources that are rich in fiber. These include oats, nuts, seeds, wheat, whole-grain foods, and flaxseed. Likewise, foods that boost a high content of potassium help prevent water retention.
To this end, you require leafy vegetables, almonds, lentils, potatoes, and some fish like tuna and salmon in your diet. Also, keep salty or sodium enriched foods items at bay as they retain water in your body. Natural diuretics such as fresh herbs, dandelion, celery, and cucumber also slash the odds of water retention.
Lastly, you’d want to feed on items that are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C and E that are present in citrus fruits and green vegetables. These curtail inflammation, prevent clots, and strengthen veins. You will need also flavonoids from berries for a similar purpose.
Key Takeaway
You can always treat mild cases of varicose veins at home. Moderate exercise, weight management, and trying essential oils and herbal remedies are useful means to this end. You can also use compression stockings and follow dietary measures to treat spider veins. Another important tip is to wear loose clothing, as tightly fitted clothes hamper blood circulation.
You will need to see the doctor at your earliest if hte problem continues to grow unabated, and they may have you varicose vein foam treatment.
