Our Board Certified Wexford Vein Dr says. “Elevate your swollen legs.” Just by making a few little changes every day, you can help reduce swelling:
- Make low sodium choices whenever possible. High salt food actually causes you to retain water.
- Once every hour take a 10 minute walk. Drinking less water can increase swelling.
- Drink plenty of water every day.
- Place two by fours, a phone books, etc…under the foot of your bed to lift the mattress gently and allow a slow decrease in fluid from your legs and feet during the course of the night.
- Wear Compression Stockings, at least to the knee, for varicose veins. Get a doppler ultrasound to see if your valves have failed.
Since you can’t live with your feet up in the air…
Varicose Veins Broken valves don’t allow proper blood circulation, swelling the veins and causing them to become varicose. symptoms are throbbing, swelling, bulging, cramping and itching legs. Venous reflux disease can lead to more serious health concerns if left untreated. Spider Veins These veins are smaller than varicose, and usually appear close to the skin’s surface, purple or red. They are more common in women than men due to pregnancy, genetics and hormones. Spider veins can lead to aches and other discomforts.
VNUS Closure – Varicose Vein Laser Surgery
The most innovative and safe way to treat varicose veins is with the VNUS Closure procedure conducted in house. This surgery is not painful like EVLT once was because it uses a laser-like Radio Frequency catheter to close damaged veins, and to redirect them back to healthy veins. This procedure takes about one hour and is covered by most insurances. It requires very minimal downtime and provides immediate relief for patients. Microphlebectomy This is a great option for medium-sized veins. It permanently removes small veins and vessels through small punctures in the skin. Sclerotherapy This treatment is used to close spider veins. We administer a series of tiny injections into the vein to close them from the inside, which reroutes the blood supply to the health veins. This treatment can also be used for varicose veins that are closer to the skin’s surface.
More Home Remedies
Check out some of the other treatments as well if you’re not satisfied with raising your legs.
Extract from grape seeds
Proanthocyanidins, an antioxidant found in grape seed extract, can enhance circulation and prevent blood clots from developing in the veins. Use a cotton ball or clean rag to apply grape seed extract directly to your skin or consume it orally as a nutritional supplement. For three to six months, repeat this practice three times per day.
Massage
Massage, when performed correctly, can aid in boosting blood flow to the lower legs. This is especially beneficial if you are attempting to conceive and have varicose veins because reduced blood flow might affect your fertility.
Massage also helps lower stress levels, which could be contributing to the deterioration of your varicose veins. Although you should seek out a massage therapist, you can also give yourself a massage at home.
Baths with Epsom salt
Baths with Epsom salts may aid in enhancing leg circulation and lowering edema and irritation brought on by varicose veins. Warm bathwater with 2 cups of Epsom salt should be used. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Follow this treatment regimen daily until your varicose veins are gone.
How does elevating the legs affect the pressure on the valves within the veins?
Elevating the legs can help reduce the pressure on the valves within the veins, particularly in the lower extremities. When you elevate your legs, gravity helps to assist the blood flow back to the heart. This reduces the amount of blood pooling in the veins of the lower legs and feet, which in turn reduces the pressure on the valves.
In healthy veins, these valves help ensure that blood flows in one direction—toward the heart—and prevents backflow. However, when the valves become weakened or damaged, as is often the case in conditions like varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, blood can pool in the veins and cause increased pressure on the valves.
Can elevating the legs help reduce the appearance of bulging veins?
Yes, elevating the legs can help reduce the appearance of bulging veins, such as varicose veins. When you elevate your legs, it helps to reduce the pressure in the veins, allowing them to return to a more normal size. This can help alleviate the swelling and bulging that are characteristic of varicose veins.
What are the effects of gravity on vein health, and how does elevating the legs counteract these effects?
Gravity can have a significant impact on vein health, especially in the lower extremities. When you are standing or sitting for long periods, gravity causes blood to pool in the veins of the legs and feet, leading to increased pressure in the veins. Over time, this can weaken the vein walls and valves, leading to conditions such as varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency.
Elevating the legs can help counteract the effects of gravity on vein health in several ways. By raising the legs above the level of the heart, gravity can assist in returning blood back to the heart.
Wexford Vein Dr FREE Vein Screenings
Call 724-987-3220 REQUEST A FREE Vein Screenings (does not include ultrasound) are available at ALL area locations. Cranberry Vein clinic, Butler vein clinic and our vein Dr Bridgewater to name a few. For directions to our vein offices, visit our Locations page. To find out more about the treatment of veins in Pittsburgh, Call today or fill out our form to schedule a FREE Vein Screening 724.987.3220 Want to learn how to achieve healthy veins? Click here to learn more →