Veins in your legs that are fat, swollen and sometimes appear twisted are called varicose veins. Varicose veins are the result of blood pooling in your legs due to inadequate circulation. You may or may not experience pain with varicose veins, but the condition can increase your risk of potentially serious health conditions, such as skin ulcerations and blood clots. Lifestyle changes and medical procedures can help you get rid of the fat, unattractive varicose veins in your legs.
Step 1
Increase the circulation in your legs to get rid of your varicose veins. Move around rather than standing for long periods of time, and avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Keep your legs elevated to promote drainage of the blood that's pooled in your lower extremities, especially if you suffer from pain.
Step 2
Get the blood pumping through your body more efficiently through walking or other forms of aerobic exercise, suggests MayoClinic.com. You and your doctor together can determine what type of exercise is best, based on your overall condition.
Step 3
Lose weight, if applicable, to improve your venous insufficiency, another term used to describe varicose veins. Extra weight can put more pressure on your veins and cause them to swell. Consult with a medical care professional to ensure you lose weight in a healthy way.
Step 4
Wear compression stockings or socks, and low, comfortable shoes. Compression garments are elasticized and lend support to your swollen veins by squeezing them so blood can flow more easily. Low shoes demand more of a workout from your calves, which also act as pumps to circulate your blood. Compression socks and stockings are available at drugstores and medical supply stores.
Step 5
Take herbal supplements in an attempt to get rid of your swollen leg veins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, horse chestnut, bilberry, and gotu kola can ease symptoms of varicose veins. Preparations and dosages vary. Not all herbal supplements are appropriate for every person, so discuss your plans for herbal healing with your doctor.
Step 6
Undergo invasive treatments to reduce the size of your varicose veins. MayoClinic.com explains that laser therapy, catheter procedures and sclerotherapy are two options for people who do not respond to lifestyle changes. These treatments close off the affected veins through exposure to concentrated light beams, the insertion of a catheter to prompt the vein to collapse or an injection of chemicals into the vein, respectively. Regardless of the method, the destruction of the veins eliminates the swelling in your legs.
Things You'll Need
- Compression stockings
- Comfortable shoes
- Herbal supplements
- Sclerotherapy or laser treatments
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