Varicose veins are enlarged, distorted veins that lie close to your skin’s surface and often appear in the legs. These veins result from weak or damaged valves, allowing blood to pool in the veins instead of flowing to the heart. Consequently, the veins may stretch and twist, causing varicose veins. Although many people with varicose veins Upper East Side seek treatment for aesthetic reasons, some do so due to bothersome symptoms such as swelling, aching, itching around the varicose veins, and nighttime leg cramps. Fortunately, you can easily alleviate these symptoms using the following home remedies.
Exercise regularly
Any physical exercise that works your leg muscles helps encourage blood flow in your legs. Remember, your leg muscles are your biggest allies since they help the veins work against gravity. And like any other muscles in the body, your leg muscles are meant to move to remain strong and flexible. Your healthcare provider may encourage you to increase your activity level to improve blood circulation in your legs. Simple activities like walking or cycling for 30 minutes daily up to five times a week are great exercises for your leg muscles.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for varicose veins and other health problems. When you are overweight, you put excess pressure on your pelvic and leg veins, making it hard for them to push blood to your heart; this may eventually lead to varicose veins. Losing extra pounds takes the extra pressure off your veins, allowing them to push blood to the heart. If you are overweight, try and exercise every day and eat healthy foods in appropriate proportions. If you still can’t lose significant weight, you want to discuss other weight loss options with your doctor.
Elevate your legs
Elevating your legs when sitting or lying down takes the pressure off your veins and promotes blood flow to your heart. You can use some pillows to raise your legs; this can also help alleviate the swelling associated with varicose veins.
Wear compression stockings
Compression garments are designed to steadily squeeze your legs, helping your veins push blood to the heart. In addition to improving blood circulation, compression stockings can help alleviate varicose veins symptoms, including pain and swelling. Healthcare providers also recommend compression stockings for pregnant women with varicose veins for their pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant, it is essential to consult with your doctor before using compression stockings. There are various compression stockings; some are available over-the-counter while others require a doctor’s prescription. The type of compression stocking your doctor recommends depends on the severity of your varicose veins symptoms.
Avoid sitting or standing for extended hours
If your work involves being on your feet or sitting for long hours, take small breaks to walk around and stretch your legs; this allows your leg muscles to contract, pushing blood to the heart. A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of varicose veins; therefore, including physical activity in your everyday routine is essential.
If your varicose veins symptoms don’t improve with the above remedies, schedule an appointment with your Upper East Side Cardiology healthcare provider for treatment.