It’s important to start any discussion of “home treatment for varicose veins” with an important caveat – none of the tips presented in this article will cure or eliminate your varicose veins. The disease that causes them (chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI) permanently damages the tiny, one-way valves in your veins that control proper blood flow, and once that damage has occurred, it cannot be “fixed.” Permanent varicose vein treatment in Long Island can only be achieved by closing the diseased veins using procedures such as sclerotherapy or endovenous laser therapy (EVLT).
However, if your Long Island vascular doctor has determined that your varicose veins are not causing more serious problems, and you are in no rush to have them removed permanently, there are things you can do at home that can make living with varicose veins more tolerable, if not actually enjoyable.
Things you can do at home to treat symptoms caused by varicose veinsvein center in Long Island
Get more exercise. Yeah, we know this sounds unintuitive, but it’s important. The varicose veins make your legs swollen and painful, but if you submit to that and become a couch potato, those symptoms just get worse. So try to walk (or perform other aerobic exercise) at least half an hour a day.
Watch your diet, and if necessary lose weight. Every extra pound increases the pressure on your veins, and thus the discomfort you associate with your varicose veins. Ask your doctor to help you with recipes and diet plans that can help you to keep your weight under control.
Wear compression stockings. These stockings can make a tremendous difference by improving circulation in your legs. Work with your doctor to find the proper size and compression to match your condition.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid “Spanx” and any kind of tight clothing that is going to reduce your circulation. This includes pants that are tight at the waist.
Elevate your feet and legs often. Taking a “put your feet up” break several times a day (or actually sleeping with your legs elevated) can greatly reduce symptoms of pain and swelling from varicose veins.
Try not to sit for long periods of time. Even if your job requires you to sit, try to get up and walk around for a few minutes once every hour or so. This will help to restore circulation to your legs. When you are sitting, try not to cross your legs, as this increases pressure on your veins.
Wear sensible shoes. Avoid high heels and other shoes that put your body at an odd angle while walking, thus increasing pressure on your veins.
If you get a scratch or cut on your legs, take care of it. The vein disease that reduces your circulation enough to cause varicose veins also keeps injuries to the skin that covers them from healing properly. Treat cuts with antiseptics and if the cuts don’t heal, see your doctor before infection sets in.
These tips may help, but remember to see your vein doctor regularly
As noted above, these conservative, at-home treatments can help to make living with your varicose veins more comfortable, but they are not going to get rid of them. So it’s important to stay in touch with your vein center in Long Island to make sure they aren’t getting worse. Remember that Dr. Marc Rybstein and his associates at Long Island Heart and Vein Experts are there to help you, and to explain vein removal in Long Island when you are ready to consider more permanent options. Give us a call any time at 516-806-5055 – we’re here for you.