Managing  Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Regardless of which risk factors you can or can’t control, you can still take action. The following self-care suggestions for Managing  Symptoms of Varicose Veins can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

1. Elevating Your Legs

Varicose veins form when the one-way valves inside your veins become stretched out or damaged. This causes a backup of blood in the legs due to gravity. In essence, blood is trickling back down the legs and pooling there. This is known as venous reflux. This is why your legs are more likely to be painful and swollen in the evening, after you’ve been on your feet all day.

What’s a simple solution which counteracts the effects of gravity? Elevating your legs. Performing this one single action can will give immediate, if temporary, relief.

2. Stretching and Exercising

Don’t worry, a strenuous exercise plan isn’t necessary to manage your symptoms. In fact, it could possibly make things worse.

Instead, focus on gentle aerobic exercises such as walking. Even walking for as little as 30 minutes, on most days of the week, can significantly improve your vein health. The key is engaging the large muscles of the legs, in particular the calves.

Whenever you flex your calves or “toe off,” blood is forced back up your legs, towards the heart. This eliminates blood which has pooled in the lower legs, providing temporary relief from many venous symptoms. Aside from this, regular, gentle exercise has many other health benefits and is a good habit to get into.

If you can’t get up and take an extended walk, be sure to get up and walk briefly every ½ hour. A trip to the bathroom and back is all that’s required. By doing this alone, you’ll receive many of the same benefits as with longer walk. Similarly, simply standing up and pressing down with the calves, as if standing on your tip-toes, also engages calves.

3. Hydration is Key

What’s one of the best ways to feel foggy-brained and sluggish? It’s simple—don’t drink enough water. Proper hydration is something more of us should pay better attention to. It’s essential for good overall health—every organ system in your body requires plenty of water to function well. This includes your venous system.

4. Wearing Compression Stockings

When you went for the treatment your doctor must have advised you to use compression stockings.

These are special type of clothes especially made to apply pressure on specific area.

It can be used for recovery of many surgeries but they can be used for varicose and spider veins too since applying pressure on them is effective.

It will improve the flow of blood in your body as well, just make sure to wear them properly until you don’t see any changes.

Also if you had sclerotherapy make sure to take at least 2 to 3 sessions for best results.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is the reason many people suffer from spider veins and varicose veins. Increased weight puts a lot of pressure on your legs which makes it hard for your body to circulate blood through your legs which causes venous problems.

If you want to avoid this problem then start losing your weight as soon as possible. You should try exercises and adapt to a healthy diet.

Avoid sedentary lifestyle, avoid sitting for too long. This will help you decrease symptoms of venous diseases.

If you are pregnant then don’t worry, once you deliver your baby the veins will go away on their own.

6. Wear Supportive Shoes

Poor quality of shoes are one of the reasons why people suffer from spider veins.

If they don’t allow proper fitting then they can cause you circulation problems which results into venous diseases.

You should avoid wearing shoes that are old, you can replace them to new ones. Wear shoes that for you well, they shouldn’t be too tight.

Shoes with low heel can be a good choice, so avoid high heels until the veins don’t disappear.

Changing your shoes will rapidly change the situation of your legs so make sure to give it a try soon.

7. Massage

The blood flow via the veins can be maintained by gently rubbing the afflicted areas. For best results, one should apply moisturiser or mild massage oils.

However, it is essential to avoid pressing directly on the veins as this could harm delicate tissues.

When To Look For A Doctor?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can appear blue or purple in color, often seen in the legs or feet. They occur when the valves within the veins do not function properly, causing blood to pool and leading to the appearance of bulging veins. While many people may have varicose veins without experiencing any symptoms, in some cases they can cause discomfort, pain, and even complications.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms related to varicose veins, it may be time to seek medical attention:

Pain or discomfort: If you are experiencing aching, throbbing, or cramping in your legs or feet, it may be a sign that your varicose veins are causing discomfort.

Swelling: Varicose veins can cause swelling in the legs or feet, which may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or fatigue.

Skin changes: Varicose veins can cause changes in the skin around the affected area, such as discoloration or the appearance of spider veins.

Sores or ulcers: In severe cases, varicose veins can lead to the development of sores or ulcers on the skin, which can be painful and require medical attention.

Bleeding: Although rare, varicose veins can rupture and cause bleeding, which should be addressed immediately.

Cosmetic concerns: While varicose veins are not usually a serious medical condition, they can cause cosmetic concerns for some people, and treatment options are available to improve their appearance.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if your varicose veins are causing you discomfort or affecting your quality of life, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, or minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy or endovenous laser treatment. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.