Home Remedies for Varicose Vein Pain Relief
Varicose veins happen when a person’s veins become swollen and enlarged. It can develop when valves in the veins become weak. These valves stop blood from flowing backward through the veins, and when they are damaged blood can pool in the veins which causes twisted and swollen veins that also become very visible.
Varicose veins become noticeable because of their dark blue or purple appearance, they usually bulge out from underneath the skin.
Causes of varicose veins:
The most common reason that causes varicose veins is that the leg veins are under great pressure to return blood to the heart. Several risk factors can increase the chances of a person having varicose veins including:
Getting older, with age the valves in veins start to weaken over time.
Genetic history of family members with varicose veins
Pregnancy, because of growing uterus pressure, increases on person’s veins
Obesity
Long hours sitting
Over sun exposure
Symptoms of Varicose veins include:
Burning or throbbing sensation in the legs
Heavy and achy feeling in legs
Muscle cramps (more noticeable at night)
Swollen feet and ankles
Dry or itchy skin (that appears thinner over the varicose veins)
Home remedies for varicose veins
Some home remedies can help a person suffering from varicose veins in managing their pain and improve symptoms:
1. Exercise
Physical activities are a great way of treating varicose veins. The more you move, the better your blood circulation. Regular exercise encourages better blood circulation through veins, which helps move the blood that has been collected in the veins. Exercise also helps to lower blood pressure, which is also a contributing factor to varicose veins.
Low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, cycling, yoga, or swimming help to get the calf muscles working without excessive strain. They help in improving blood flow and can reverse the unhealthy qualities of varicose veins.
2. Compression stockings
Compression stockings are easily available in most pharmacies or online stores and can help by applying pressure to the legs. This aids the muscles and helps the blood move back towards the heart.
3. Plant extracts
A review study from 2006 suggested that horse chestnut extract may help to reduce heaviness, itching, and pain in the legs of people with chronic venous insufficiency, which is a major cause of varicose veins. The horse chestnut extract is available in health stores or online.
Another study from 2010 suggested that sea pine extract and Butcher’s broom extract, both may reduce swelling in the leg or edema that is often associated with varicose veins. Butcher’s broom extract is available to purchase in health stores and online.
Plants extracts or extract oils should be diluted in carrier oils before being applied or used in a diffuser for aromatherapy.
4. Dietary changes
Cutting down on salty foods can minimize water retention, which can be caused by salty or sodium-rich foods. Water retention increases the volume of blood in the body and creates extra pressure on the vein valves. Potassium-rich food helps in reducing water retention.
Potassium-rich food that can be included in the diet are:
Yogurt
Almonds
Pistachios
Salmon
Tuna
Chicken
White Beans
Lentils
Dates
Oranges
Winter Squash
Potatoes
Leafy Vegetables
Beet Greens
5. Eat more flavonoids
Foods that contain flavonoids may help a person with varicose veins. Flavonoids improve blood circulation, which helps in blood flow and reduces the chances of blood pooling in veins. They can help to decrease arterial blood pressure and relax blood vessels.
Foods that contain flavonoids to include in the diet are:
Onions
Garlic
Bell peppers
Spinach
Broccoli
Cocoa
Grapes
Citrus fruits
Blueberries
Strawberries
Cherries
Apples
6. More fiber
Fiber helps in healthy bowel function. Healthy bowel movement is important to reduce the effort used to pass stool which can create a strong internal abdominal pressure, which can aggravate the damaged vein valves.
High fiber foods to include in the diet are:
Whole grain foods
Wheat
Oats
Flaxseed
Peas
Figs
Beams
Plums
Avocados
Tomatoes
Carrots
Artichokes
7. Herbal remedies
Some herbal remedies can also help in easing the symptoms of vein conditions. These herbal remedies come as oral dietary supplements or topical phlebotomists. A study suggested that outsides and grape seed extract may help with chronic venous insufficiency symptoms like swelling, cramping, or restless legs.
8. Wear non-restrictive clothes
Tight clothes can restrict blood flow. Wearing loose-fitting clothes can help improve blood flow in the lower body.
9. Keep the legs elevated
Keeping the legs at the same height as the heart or above in an elevated posture can help to improve circulation. This can rescue the pressure in the leg veins and gravity will help the blood to flow back to the heart.
10. Gentle Massage
Gentle massage in affected areas can help to keep blood moving through veins. Some massage oil or moisturizer can be used for optimal effects.
It is crucial to avoid pressing directly onto the veins, as it may damage fragile tissue.
The bottom line
Unless varicose veins cause medical problems for an individual, they do not usually require invasive treatments. The appearance of varicose veins can be reduced with medical treatment. Varicose veins symptoms can be relieved with some home remedies and a healthy lifestyle. However, research on some alternative treatments and herbal remedies is still ongoing.
A person must always talk to their doctor about using anything to treat varicose veins. An expert's guidance is important for improving the condition and symptoms.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321703
https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-varicose-veins#the-bottom-line