You get varicose veins when your veins are swollen or enlarged leading to pain and discomfort. There are lots of home treatment options that may help you while you wait to see a professional like Dr. Andrew Doe. About 20% of adults may get varicose at some point. It is, therefore, important to understand home remedies that work.
1. Regular Exercise
Exercise promotes the flow of blood to your legs. If blood has been collected in your veins, working out may be a simple yet effective way to push it along. It lowers your blood pressure which may alleviate the cause varicose veins. Some of the best exercises for varicose veins include walking, yoga, and swimming.
2. Diet Changes
Certain changes to your diet may improve your varicose veins. Consider eating potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, and pistachio nuts as they reduce the retention of water in your body. Limit your intake of sodium as it promotes water retention. Fiber-rich foods are great for fighting constipation. They include wheat, whole-grain foods, nuts, and legumes. Constipation can make damaged valves worse.
If you are overweight, consider losing a few pounds to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins. It reduces pressure on your veins, hence reducing swelling and discomfort.
3. Compression Stockings
You can find compression stockings in most pharmacies. They apply pressure to your legs, hence promoting the flow of blood toward the heart. Studies suggest that people who wear knee-high compression stockings report a significant reduction in varicose veins pain.
4. Elevate Your Legs
Elevate your legs to the same level to the same level as your heart or above. The position improves blood circulation to your heart and lowers the pressure in your leg veins.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a great treatment option for varicose veins. It is rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C that ease the pain of swollen veins and improve blood circulation. Add a teaspoon of cayenne powder to a cup of water and drink the mixture three times every day.
6. Non-Restrictive Clothing
Consider wearing loose-fitting clothes to ease the pain of varicose veins. Tight-fitting clothes may restrict the flow of blood to your lower body.
7. Gentle Massage
Gently massage the affected area in circular motions to promote blood flow. Using moisturizer or massage oils may give better results. During the massage, be careful not to press your veins directly. If you do, you may damage the delicate tissues.
8. Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory benefits and it may lower varicose veins symptoms. It improves circulation and gets rid of toxins from your blood vessels. Extract the juice from garlic cloves and consume it raw. You may also use it to massage the affected veins for a few minutes.
If you have varicose veins, it is important to seek medical attention fast. However, there are a few home remedies that may work while you wait to see a doctor. Even though they work, you may have to combine a few options to get the desired results.
