Varicose veins are veins that are abnormally enlarged and appear close to the surface of the skin. They are the result of malfunctioning valves inside the veins as prolonged pressure or obstruction of the veins, they usually develop in thighs and calves. They often occur in those who stand or sit for extended periods of time, poor exercise, pregnancy, and prolonged constipation. People who often sit with their legs crossed are more prone to it.
Home remedies are often recommended for varicose veins. Here are some natural approaches to treat your veins and lower your discomfort:
1. Exercise
Get moving and exercise to lessen symptoms of varicose veins. Walking is
the best way to improve the circulation in your legs. Perform exercises
that involve leg movements, ride a bike, join aerobic classes, or use a
stair machine, this will prevent blood from clotting. Take your
doctor’s advice on appropriate level of activity for you.
2. Eat a balanced diet
Eating properly will help you gain essential nutrients that prevent
varicose veins. Choose a low-sodium diet that prevents swelling caused
by water retention. Eat foods rich in vitamin C and protein, they help
build collagen which is needed for tissues in veins and valves. This
keeps collagen in good shape for making tissue more resilient. Include
fresh fruits, whole grains, and vegetables in your diet.
3. Lose weight
Being obese can make you less active which results in less movement of
leg muscles, there is also farther for the blood to travel, which makes
circulation an inefficient process. Moreover, blood vessels in
overweight people carry more blood than those of thinner people, so more
strain is on the vessels themselves.
4. Watch your clothes and shoes
Avoid high heels, choose low-heeled shoes with good support. Flat shoes
make calf muscles work harder which is better for your veins. Sports
shoes or other lace-up shoes that can be opened to alleviate pressure
and allow better circulation of blood are a good choice. Avoid tight
clothing around your waist, groin, or legs. Tight panty-leg girdles can
stop blood flow.
5. Elevate your legs
If your job includes sitting continuously for hours, take short breaks
to improve circulation. Walk around your area to get blood pumping. You
can also lie down with your legs resting on a pile of 3 or 4 pillows to
use gravity to pump your blood from your legs to your heart. This will
also help alleviate swelling and leg pain.
6. Avoid standing or sitting for long hours
Try to move every 30 minutes if your job requires sitting or standing
for long hours to encourage blood flow. If you’re travelling in a car or
plane get up and stretch your legs once in a while to help loosen your
muscles. Avoid sitting with crossed legs as this position creates
circulation problems.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology primarily works on your feet. In a small study reflexology
was compared in 55 pregnant women and it shows that reflexology reduced
leg swelling. Some experts say reflexology should not be done during the
first trimester. Pregnant women should consult their doctors before
opting for reflexology.
8. Check your seat
If your seat is too deep for your leg length it can cause circulation
problems, the front edge of the chair digs into the back of your knees,
compressing blood vessels and restricting blood flow. Choose a chair
that suits your body, if that’s not possible scoot your backside away
from the back of chair until the pressure on your legs is relieved.