This has become quite the common occurrence in the modern society with many pregnant women and obese people suffering Varicose Veins. Despite the fact that a lot of people are afflicted by this condition, there is not that much information available on it. It is said that knowledge is power. This is a piece aimed at providing you valuable information on the best home remedies for varicose veins.
What are Varicose Veins?
They are generally termed as swollen veins. They may bulge up and show up near the surface of the skin. The veins can show up anywhere, but they tend to show up mainly on the legs. They are usually blue or purple in nature and tend to be squiggly in many instances. Varicose veins actually manifest in many other different places like the vulva or other body parts. It has also been noted that the condition normally referred to as hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins that that manifest in the rectal area.
What Cases Varicose Veins?
Some of the potential causes of varicose veins include:
- Congenital heart conditions that may cause an interruption in the normal blood flow
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes like increased progestin productions
- Menopause
- Standing for longer periods
- Undue and continual pressure on the body, especially the midsection or the abdomen
- Obesity that increases pressure on the legs
- Age
- Genetics
Basically, arteries carry blood from the lungs to all other parts of the body. Veins on the other part, circulate the blood that has been infused with carbon dioxide to the heart. It is then pumped to the lungs for purification. They have valves that open and close so as to allow the start and stop of the flow of blood. In the case of varicose veins, the valves fail to perform their function as designated. This kills the capillarity aspect of blood flow. The blood is accumulated at the bottom of the feet and is unable to flow buck up with the aid of muscular action. The blood usually flows from one valve to the next. This becomes impossible since they are not functioning. The blood simply pools in the veins. This leads to a buildup of the pressure within, causing congestion and bulging making them varicose. Hence the need for home remedies for Varicose veins.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
This is one of the rather simple anomalies to identify. This is due to the simple fact that they cause quite the wardrobe malfunction. More often than not, they manifest visibly on the skin. Some other tell-tale signs of varicose veins are:
- Aching in the leg and a feeling of excess weight and itchiness. They can also manifest as a burning sensation in the legs
- Protrusion of bulging of the veins from under the skin. A feeling that the veins are ropey
- Continual pain in the legs especially when one stands for a long time. There can also be some cramps on the leg when one is asleep at night.
- Color changes within the skin. This is due to the veins changing color to blue or dark purple
- Sores on the legs
- A rash on the legs
It is evident that the symptoms of varicose veins resemble quite a list of other medical complications and problems. It is advisable to consult your local physician whenever you manifest any of the above symptoms. Or simply try out some of the home remedies for varicose veins suggested within.
How to Diagnose Varicose Veins?
The condition can be diagnosed at a health facility through any of the following tests.
Magnetic Resonance Venography – magnetic energy and computer radio frequencies are used to map the images of organs.
Duplex Ultrasound – This is a vascular ultrasound that assesses the blood flow of the veins on the legs.
Triplex Ultrasound – Also termed as color flow imaging, the procedure uses color to mark the flow of blood flow.
Who are More Susceptible to Varicose Veins?
The veins are quite severe and tend to manifest more in women who are having their first period or subsequent menstruation. They are also quite common among women who are pregnant. And in some cases those that have gained a lot of weight as a result of the pregnancy. There are home remedies for varicose veins to help these people.
Other people that are at risk of developing the condition are people that spend the better part of their day standing. People with obesity. Those with any conditions that may interrupt the normal flow of blood to the leg. The factor of age also plays some role. People that are elderly generally tend to show a higher occurrence of varicose veins. Home remedies for varicose veins work for these groups too.
Types of Varicose Veins
There are quite a few types of varicose veins the most common being:
Reticular varicose veins: These form of varicose veins presents itself as a network of veins grouped together with their color predominantly being red.
Trunk Varicose Veins: They are the least pleasant of the varicose veins to look at for the simple reasons that they are usually near the skin, are quite thick and more often tend to be knobby.
Telangiectasia Varicose Veins: These are more commonly referred to as spider veins and cluster together, being visible as either blue or red. The however don’t bulge under the skin like the rest.
Whatever the type that afflicts you, there are some of the best home remedies for varicose veins that can help you lessen the discomfort and fight away the condition.
Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
It is not quite the common occurrence but it affects quite a few ladies. Most women develop varicose veins during their first pregnancy. Some in other subsequent ones. The growth of the uterus usually leads to an increase in general body weight. More so above the abdomen. Since the same does not occur throughout the body, the uterus tends to apply pressure on the inferior vena cava. This leads to a buildup of pressure in the veins within the legs.
This may not seem like much on the surface. However, considering the fact that the blood in the legs flows against gravity, the extra pressure does the veins no favor. The fetus also requires a large amount of blood. This helps it to receive nutrients and nourishment, and this blood flows through the veins in the body. There is thus increased pressure and blood capacity. This, combined with the fact that the production of progesterone relaxes the veins further, leads to a complete drop in the blood pressure. This then leads to the development of varicose veins. Home remedies for varicose veins can, however, negate this.
The development of varicose veins is more likely in the case where the condition runs in the family. It also gets worse with each successive pregnancy and with age. The veins also get severe if the pregnancies occur with short intervals to each other. If the woman is carrying more than one child. Or if the condition was already present before the pregnancy occurred. The condition gets better after the woman gives birth. It is, however, advisable to try out some of the below mentioned home remedies for varicose veins.
How Do You Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
When it comes to some diseases, there is nothing better than home remedies to help you out. Varicose veins do not evade this criterion. Here are some of the best home remedies for varicose veins that you should not hesitate to try out.
Exercise
Exercise is one way of how to get rid of varicose veins that help you kill several birds with one single stone. Exercise is one of the proven ways to get rid of obesity. That is if it is done regularly and with the proper equipment. It is no alien fact that exercise improves the tone of muscles. What most people fail to realize however is that it can actually be directed at a set of muscles at a time. This gives you the ability to actually work on the leg muscles only. Something that helps to reduce the condition quickly. One of the ways that one can exercise is with a simple 20 to 30-minute walk. A jog around the neighborhood. A hike up and down a small hill or raised a section of land. Or maybe sprints from time to time. In case, you have a gym membership and a professional trainer, then as for some cardiovascular exercises. This should be incorporated into your routine. Make sure that they take up to 80% of the time to begin with. This should help to boost circulation in the body. Then also reduce your overall weight, decreasing the amount of pressure that the body exerts on the legs. For pregnant women, it is recommended to see your doctor first. He/she can then recommend the best exercises to take during each stage of pregnancy and fetal development. This is the most recommended of the home remedies for varicose veins.
Proper Clothing
One of the easiest home remedies for varicose veins is the observation of proper clothing. This means that you carefully monitor your wardrobe to ensure that it is not counterproductive to your blood flow. Only use comfortable loosely fitting clothes. Ensure that your clothes do not stick tightly to your skin. That your elastics don’t cling too much and entities like underwear and belts aren’t too tight.
Maternity Support Hosiery
For pregnant women, one of the more recommended home remedies for varicose veins is the use of maternity support hosiery. They are beneficial since they put enough pressure on the legs and help in the circulation of blood flow. The blood is then able to flow up the legs to the heart like it is required. They should however only be worn with the consent of the doctor. They should also be of the proper size. This will ensure that they are not too tight since they may cut off circulation completely. Making the condition an even worse.
Yoga
Yoga is one the many recommended home remedies for varicose veins. It is known to relax muscle tension. Improve breathing and generally affect the blood flow within the body. It is thus not a surprise that it can find some avid uses in the battle against varicose veins. There are a lot of yoga types tailored to aid in the fight against many conditions. A specific type, called restorative yoga, is scientifically known to aid people that are afflicted with varicose veins. It is not as taxing as the others that require stretching and warm up. This makes it safe for all people, even women that are heavily pregnant. This type of yoga takes advantage of props They help people attain yoga poses that benefit the circulatory system. In this form of yoga, bolsters, walls or bricks come in handy. Since it is not vigorous, there is no need for any form of music or adrenaline stimulation. What is needed is a quiet location to meditate and relax. One of the best poses taken is the placement of the support on the lower areas of the back. Then simply bend the knees. Press the feet onto the wall after swinging your legs onto it. Maintain the position for ten minutes. Follow this up with the fetal position for another five. This should ensure that you get the blood flowing properly again. Caution should, however, be exercised when getting in and out of the position. It should be done slowly and with care, especially for pregnant women.
Weight Loss
One of the medically recommended home remedies for varicose veins is simply to lose weight. This helps to reduce the overall pressure that the rest of the body tends to exert on the legs. Having a manageable body mass ratio means less discomfort. Especially if you are set upon by or are already suffering from varicose veins.
Sleep Positions
It is recommended that you sleep on your side in case you have varicose veins. This is a way of how to get rid of varicose veins. It works through the reduction of pressure that tends to build up on the inferior vena cava. As home remedies for varicose veins, it reduces the overall discomfort that accompanies varicose veins. Another recommended sleep practice that should be integrated into your daily routine is to sleep on your back. Ensuring that your legs are elevated upwards at a ninety-degree angle. This should be done for up to twenty minutes daily while you relax. It aims to ensure that gravity assists in your general blood flow and keeps your veins healthy.
Minimizing On the Intake of Drugs
One of the few known ways of how to get rid of varicose veins is to generally quit the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Tobacco and alcohol, in whatever quantities, are known to boost the production of adrenaline. They also spike a variety of other stimulating hormones. This tends to take the blood pressure a notch higher. This is the same pressure that causes swelling and discomfort when the blood collects in the feet. Once one develops varicose veins, then it is advisable to quit the intake of all manner of narcotic drugs and alcohol. For pregnant women, smoking and drinking are quite detrimental. They not only affect the mother, but also the developing baby. It leads to certain complication, some of which could result in stillbirth. The occasional intake of small amounts of alcoholic drinks like wine may not be bad. However, taking it in larger quantities causes the dilation of the blood vessels. This will further aggravate the condition. Reduction is thus the most suitable of home remedies for varicose veins in this situation.
Dietary Considerations
One of the easiest home remedies for varicose veins is the observation of a proper diet. The aim is to ensure that the body is getting all the right nutrients. It also seeks to ascertain that the blood pressure is being kept at a manageable low. It is good to ensure that your diet is always balanced. It should have plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber. In the sector of fruits, the selection should have some blackberries in abundance. Fiber should also make up a better fraction of the rations. It helps to ensure that you avoid constipation. The one thing that your diet should have in scarcity is fat. This is because it tends to block out the veins and arteries. This then increases the blood pressure. Other foods that should be avoided include ice cream, junk foods, processed sugar, refined foods, cheese, animal protein and junk food. Always be properly hydrated to manage the blood pressure and keep the blood pH optimum. Some more entities to add to your diet would be fresh pineapples, garlic, ginger, and onions.
Moderated Sodium Intake
One of the ways of how to get rid of varicose veins naturally is through the reduction of the intake of sodium in the diet. Other than simply keeping a balanced diet, it is also recommended to watch your sodium intake carefully. One of the benefits of a low-sodium diet is that it reduces the level of water retention within the legs. This subsequently minimizes the swelling. Lower sodium levels help in maintaining the blood pH. It also helps to regulate the blood pressure to a certain level. This means that the amount of pressure buildup in the legs is made less. Since it is caused by the backflow of blood, it becomes minimal with the mitigated use intake of sodium. It is however not advised to completely avoid the intake of salt. Or the consumption of other sodium-rich foods as home remedies for varicose veins. This should first be preceded by contacting your doctor and being offered a dietary alternative.
Sitting Positions
One of the major home remedies for varicose veins is literally having the proper standing and sitting positions during the day. If you have a job that requires you to sit behind a desk for long hours at a time. Or even to stand continually without pausing for long periods, then you should consider changing this from time to time. Especially if you have varicose veins. Maintaining the same position of legs or hands for long periods tend to negatively affect the flow of blood to limbs. This is one of the reasons that people develop numbness or cramps after they stand abruptly when they have been sitting for long. If you have to sit behind a desk for long periods of time, then take a short break every thirty minutes. Simply stretch your legs from under yourself or alter the sitting position. It is also recommended that once every three hours you get up and stretch. Then take a two-minute stroll around the office. Or climb up and down two to three flights of stairs. Another thing is to slightly elevate your legs. Always uncross them whenever you sit down. If possible, lift your legs from time to time so that the feet reach or succeed the height of your heart. If you stand for long periods of time, then ensure that you walk from time to time. Then sit down to reduce the pressure on the legs.
Footwear
Keeping off high heels is one of the home remedies for varicose veins. It is known to work wonders for women. High heels are good with almost every outfit. They also make women look better and lovelier. They are however not recommended if a woman is pregnant, overweight or predisposed to the condition. Avoiding them completely is a known home remedies for varicose veins. Flat shoes are better in this case since they work on the muscles of the individual wearing them. The calf muscles are made more relaxed and this helps to foster a healthy circulation within the legs.
Another way of how to get rid of varicose veins naturally would be the bathtub exercise regime. This is where you simply need to fill the bathtub with cold or cool water and stimulate the action of walking. This helps to ease the pain and discomfort and improve the circulation of blood in the afflicted areas. Swimming as home remedies for varicose veins also achieves the same results. Home remedies for varicose veins can be integrated or interchanged from time to time. This will help get relief faster.
Some natural and herbal home remedies for varicose veins
Apple Cider Vinegar for Varicose Veins
When looking for an easy and cheap way of how to get rid of varicose veins then Apple cider vinegar is your best alternative. It is especially preferred for its astringent characteristic. This enables it to shrink away the swelling around the vein, something that boosts their elasticity. The first alternative is to apply the vinegar on the afflicted limbs using some cotton wool or washcloth. Simply make sure to first dilute it with water at a 50-50 ratio. You may also opt to drink the vinegar by adding two tablespoons of it to 500ml of water. It helps to purify the blood, cleaning out the veins and arteries through detoxification. It is one of the natural home remedies for varicose veins that alleviated discomfort.
Garlic for Varicose Veins
This is by far one of the easiest ways to how to get rid of varicose veins. It is best for when you need to tackle the issues of inflammation, the toxicity of improper circulation. It can be ingested as an ingredient with any diet. The other alternative of garlic as home remedies for varicose veins is to make a solution of six sliced up garlic. It should be mixed with the juice extracted from three oranges and some olive oil. This mixture is left to sit for about twelve hours then gently used to massage the afflicted areas. For best results with garlic as home remedies for varicose veins, leave the solution on the skin overnight.
Witch Hazel for Varicose Veins
The extract has tannins as a major component of its constituent chemicals. This is a good alternative as a means of how to get rid of varicose veins. Tannins prove very helpful in the battle against varicose veins since they have astringent qualities. Intake of witch hazel thus helps in ventricular constrictions and mending of the walls. This helps to bring back their elasticity. Visit a trusted herbalist on the proper dosages for the extract that can be taken orally depending on your age and weight.
Cayenne Peeper for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins come with a complete damage of the ventricular walls by free radicals. This condition is visible through hence bleeding in extreme cases. This is, however, revisable with the intake of this pepper since it contains both flavonoids and vitamin C. They work towards the restoration of the elasticity of the vein walls. They also help in their subsequent protection against the damage of radicals by the formation of collagen. Capsaicin in the pepper also makes it a perfect method of how to get rid of varicose veins. It has blood thinning capabilities. It is also analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature. The powder should be orally taken with a light initial dosage of half a teaspoon per water cup. It is one of the natural home remedies for varicose veins that works in no time.
Horse Chestnut for Varicose Veins
This is an extract from various parts of the Aesculus hippocastanum plant. As far as home remedies for varicose veins go, this one us is quite famous. It is known to offer relief to a number of illnesses associated with the circulatory system. It is quite preferred as a method of how to get rid of varicose veins thanks to its ingredient Aescin. This component repairs damage done to the ventricular walls. It has a vasoconstriction quality that is only rivaled by medically prescribed stockings. It also goes the extra mile to thin blood, increasing the rate of circulation. This subsequently prevents blood from clotting around the afflicted area. The extract should be massaged gently on the affected areas making sure not to get it into contact with exposed skin. It should, however, be avoided by bleeders and pregnant women as it can sometimes prove toxic. Be careful when using it as one of your home remedies for varicose veins.
When Does It Become Necessary to See a Doctor?
When you have things like chronic constipation, urinary retention, chronic cough
When you experience inflammation, discoloration or ulceration of the skin
In the case of swelling of the calf muscles
Resultant Complications
Most people don’t really know how to get rid of varicose veins and as such, suffer from the condition for quite some time. This can result in other complications. This is however quite the rare occurrence and only manifests in a few individuals. Some of the complications that may develop are;
Blood Clots – Swelling of the veins within the leg should always warrant some medical conditions. This is because the swelling may be an indication of one thing in general, blood clotting within the vein. This is a condition normally referred to as thrombosis.
Ulcers – There is always an increase in blood pressure in the affected veins. It usually results in the buildup of fluid in areas of the leg like the ankles. This buildup develops into some very painful ulcers. These may cause a lot of discomfort during walking or standing. It starts as a spot on the leg that is usually discolored. Once you notice such a spot, it is advisable to visit a medical professional immediately.
Bleeding – There is one thing that usually accompanies swelling, and that is bursting. The swelling of the veins is usually random. It may sometimes affect those that are quite close to the skin. The result is mostly the bursting of veins. This then causes bleeding. It may be minor in many cases but it is always good to visit a doctor when this occurs.
Conclusion
It is nearly impossible for one to change their genetic structure and completely avoid the varicose veins if they are already predisposed to it. Prevention is, however, possible and one can easily overcome the disease. If they simply manage to keep their body weight under control, regularly exercise, stick to a complete and balanced diet and keep clothing as loose fitting and comfortable as possible. Home remedies for varicose veins provide the needed relief from discomfort. Another one of the best treatments that is both cheap and has no side effects is the TED stocking remedy. They have the ability to lessen the worsening of the varicose veins. They also prevent the skin from breaking down, something that reduces the swelling in general. These compressional stockings have the ability to contract and relax. This squeezes the veins, preventing the blood in them from flowing backward. The stockings are also quite helpful in healing the sores that develop later on. They are a daily method of how to get rid of varicose veins that actually eliminate the need for further measures like surgical treatments. For the best result, wear the stockings before you get out of bed. Then lie down for a while. Keep them on all day. Take the opportunity and try out any of our suggested home remedies for varicose veins, and you will be feeling better in no time.
