How to Relieve Varicose Vein Pain
If you have varicose veins, your legs might often feel painful, especially after extended periods of sitting or standing. This discomfort can be persistent and, without proper treatment, can worsen, leading to severe pain that interferes with daily activities.
A vascular surgeon can help address the root cause of your symptoms and provide long-lasting relief. In the meantime, there are several strategies to temporarily alleviate the aching and heaviness in your legs.
More on these varicose vein treatments below:
Why Do Varicose Veins Hurt?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs. They may be blue, blue-green, or purplish-blue in color and are caused by vein disease or chronic venous insufficiency.
When the delicate valves in the leg veins become weakened or damaged, they lose their ability to pump blood effectively upward, leading to blood pooling in the veins of the lower extremities.
This accumulation of blood increases pressure on the vessel walls, causing them to stretch and become less elastic. The resulting enlarged veins create a heavy, achy feeling and can cause inflammation in the surrounding tissue, worsening the pain.
We cover varicose vein’s relationship to blood clots in our article linked here.
How to Relieve Varicose Vein Pain
Short-Term Varicose Vein Relief
For immediate relief, focus on improving circulation in the legs. Here are some at-home remedies that can help:
- Elevate Your Legs: Elevating your legs above the level of your heart helps reduce blood pooling in your lower extremities, easing swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: To prevent stiffness and pain, move around or stretch for five to ten minutes every hour, especially if you sit or stand for long periods.
- Wear Loose Clothing and Comfortable Shoes: Opt for loose-fitting clothing and supportive footwear. Avoid high heels and tight clothing that restricts blood flow.
- Try Hydrotherapy: Use warm or cool water to soothe leg pain. Warm water can relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cool water can reduce swelling.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluids supports healthy blood flow and reduces inflammation, which can help alleviate symptoms.
- Wear Compression Stockings: Compression stockings provide external support to help veins function more efficiently, reducing pain and swelling.
Long-Term Varicose Vein Relief
For long-term varicose vein relief, consider adopting lifestyle changes that improve vein health:
Incorporate Regular Leg Stretches: Stretching helps keep blood moving and prevents stiffness. Aim to stretch in the morning and before bed to ease discomfort.
Stay Active, Even When Traveling: Keep blood flowing during long trips by walking around frequently, whether on a plane or during a road trip. Simple exercises like toe clenching and foot flexing can also help.
Follow a Vein-Friendly Diet: A diet rich in fiber and low in sodium can help prevent fluid retention and reduce vein pain. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes in your meals.
Consult a Vein Specialist: For effective, long-term relief, consult a vein specialist who can provide treatments tailored to your condition.
Contact Fox Valley Surgical Specialists!
Managing your vein health is crucial for your overall well-being. Consider taking steps today to find relief at home and improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent pain or symptoms, reach out to our vein clinic for professional advice and treatment.
At Fox Valley Surgical Specialists, we offer various minimally invasive treatments, including Radiofrequency Venous Ablation (RFA), Laser Venous Ablation, VenaSeal™, Varithena, Sclerotherapy, and Microphlebectomy.
Contact our varicose vein specialists today! We are skilled in vascular and endovascular surgeries. Give our team a call here at (800) 574-3872.
Related: What Happens When Varicose Veins are Left Untreated?
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