Varicose veins happen when the veins swell and enlarge. In some cases, they lead to pain and discomfort. A vein specialist in Frisco, TX can help to treat the condition. In addition to seeking medical help from a professional, there’s a range of home remedies that can help to decrease the appearance and discomfort of varicose veins.
Here, we take a look at some of the natural ways to handle varicose veins at home.
- Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular exercise encourages better circulation of blood in the legs. That helps to push along the accumulated blood in the veins. Furthermore, exercising also helps to lower one’s blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a common cause of varicose veins.
Effective, low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, yoga or riding a bike help to get the calf muscles functioning without too much strain.
- Compression Stockings
In addition to regular exercise, compression stockings can help. They are available in most pharmacies and they work by applying pressure to the leg. That encourages the muscles and veins to transport blood towards the heart muscle.
- Changes in Diet
Foods rich in potassium like almonds, pistachio nuts, lentils, white beans, potatoes, leafy vegetables, salmon and tuna are a good remedy against varicose veins. That’s because they decrease water retention in the human body. On the other hand, foods with high sodium content encourage water retention, so it’s important to cut down on such foods.
Eating foods rich in fiber also helps to keep the bowels working and prevent constipation. That might be vital, because straining can aggravate injured valves. Fiber-rich foods include nuts, legumes, oats, seeds, wheat, flaxseed and whole grains.
People who are overweight are more susceptible to varicose veins. So, shedding excess weight can decrease the pressure on one’s veins and alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Elevate the Legs
Keeping the legs elevated can help to enhance blood circulation. The ideal height is the same as that of the heart or above it. Doing so, decreases pressure in the veins of the legs and the force of gravity helps the blood to flow seamlessly back to the heart.
One should aim at keeping their legs elevated if they sit for a long time, like during work or while relaxing.
- Massage the Affected Areas
Patients suffering from varicose veins can also try to gently massage the affected parts to keep the blood moving in the veins. Using gentle massage oils or moisturizers can lead to optimal effects. However, it’s vital to avoid pressing directly on the affected veins because this can damage fragile tissues.
- Don’t Sit For Too Long
Sitting for long periods of time is injurious to health. If one has to sit for a long time for work or any other activity, they should try to get up and move around frequently to ensure smooth blood flow. Additionally, avoid sitting down with crossed legs, because that can further restrict the flow of blood to the legs, which can add to circulation issues.
Conclusion
The above points are just some of the ways in which patients can help to treat varicose veins at home. But all in all, seeking help from a vein specialist should not be overlooked. If home treatments are not successful or are causing more trouble, medical treatment is also available to aid in tackling varicose veins.
