Varicose veins occur when the veins swell and cause blood to back up and pool inside the vein. Varicose veins develop near the surface of the skin and emerge as clusters of blue or purple veins. The treatment of varicose veins includes relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and improving the appearance of the veins.
Exercise Often
Physical activity improves muscle tone and helps blood circulate throughout the veins, reports the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Activities such as walking help to get the blood moving and prevent or slow the development of varicose veins.
Lose Weight
According to the Mayo Clinic, losing weight helps to take unnecessary pressure off of the veins and also improves blood flow. Consuming a low-salt diet helps blood flow because it decreases the swelling and water retention that often occurs with a high-sodium diet.
Avoid Specific Clothing
The Mayo Clinic recommends wearing low-heeled shoes instead of high heels. The low-heeled shoes work the calf muscles more and toned muscles improve blood circulation through the veins. Avoid wearing tight clothes around the waist, groin, upper thighs, and legs because tight clothes can cut off blood flow.
Don't Sit or Stand for Long Periods
Don't sit for too long and make frequent position changes every 30 minutes to encourage blood flow, recommends the Mayo Clinic. When sitting, try to avoid crossing the legs and don't stand for long periods of time without taking a break.
Elevate the Feet
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends elevating the legs when sitting, resting, or sleeping to encourage blood flow. Try to elevate the legs above the heart if possible.
Support Stockings
Wearing elastic support stockings or compression stockings can provide support and promote blood flow. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains that support stockings prevent varicose veins by applying pressure to the leg. The pressure helps to decrease swelling in the leg and also helps to keep the blood from pooling.
Surgery
According to the Cleveland Clinic, varicose veins may require surgery, but the surgery depends on the location and size of the veins. A doctor may recommend surgery to improve the appearance of the veins or if the varicose veins cause significant pain, blood clots, or skin disorders. The surgery either removes the varicose veins or closes them; but the surgery doesn't affect blood flow because the blood starts moving through other veins.
