Varicose vein is a disease characterized by dark blue prominent rope like blood vessels on the legs and burning pain. The varicose veins may occur anywhere on the body but the most affected parts of the body are feet and legs and this may be due to the excess pressure on these areas.The pain, burning sensation, achy or heavy feeling in the legs, itching, muscle cramping, throbbing, swelling etc may vary from person to person.Varicose vein is more common in women than in men and is very rare in teenagers but very common in elderly people.Those who have to stand long or are doing weight bearing job are more prone to develop varicose vein as the increased pressure makes the vein to dilate and this restrict the closure of the valve inside the vein and hence a part of the blood that is pumped towards the heart with the help of the surrounding muscles flows backwards and remain in the veins and increases the venous pressure.
This congestion in the vein makes them bulge and twist and since the superficial veins have less muscular support they are more likely to bulge and visible over the skin. Pregnant women and women who have reached menopause are more susceptible to this condition as there are hormonal fluctuations during these periods and in case of pregnancy problem gets resolved at the end of gestation. Similarly obesity, constructive clothing, constipation, lack of exercise etc also increase the likelihood of varicose vein.Actually there are no permanent cures for varicose vein but if treated in early stage, the complications can be avoided and can also manage the condition of existing varicose vein to some extent. Even though varicose vein does not cause any serious health problems many women take it as a cosmetic blemish and would like to treat it.
In very rare cases such as having cuts in the vein, ulcers on the affected region, unbearable pain or whenever the problem becomes sever; doctors suggest certain treatments such as sclerotherapy, vein stripping, endoscopic vein surgery, catheter assisted treatment, endoscopic vein surgery and even laser surgery. But if the symptoms are normal and bearable then most of the people prefer certain home remedies and natural treatments. Many experts suggest that lifestyle changes can bring great difference in varicose vein problems.
Varicose Veins Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
Diet plays a key role in determining the health of a person and there are diet plans to treat varicose vein. Include foods that can provide B complex vitamins such as barley, brown rice, wheat, turkey, tuna, beans, chili pepper, molasses, bananas, tempeh, potatoes, lentils, nutritional yeast etc and it helps to keep blood vessels strong. Similarly vitamin C rich foods like pineapples, peppermint, watermelon, asparagus, limes, oranges, zucchini, spinach, strawberries, cabbage, papaya, broccoli, lettuce etc aids in improving the circulation of blood, strengthening the walls of vein and even in healing the sores.
Vitamin A rich foods such as eggs, pumpkin, carrots, beef, green leafy vegetables, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, chicken liver etc are also ideal as it heals the ulcers on the varicose vein. Vitamin E rich foods like nuts, avocado, eggs, leafy vegetables, asparagus etc are ideal for improving the conditions of varicose vein as they reduce the leg pain and cramps and may even correct varicosities. Avoid taking sugar, salt, processed and fried foods, alcohol, refined foods, cheeses, ice creams and take care to avoid as much fat as possible.
Include foods that have more fiber content as it helps to relieve the constipation. Besides having a proper diet, include exercise in the daily regimen as it maintain the muscles of the leg toned and improves the blood circulation. Diet, exercise and intake of sufficient quantity of water help to bring down the excess weight which plays a crucial role in controlling varicose vein. People having varicose vein should quit smoking as it increases the blood pressure and aggravate the varicose vein. Also avoid wearing high heeled or tight fitting shoes.
Postures
While sitting on a chair, keep the leg in an elevated position to improve the blood flow and also avoid sitting with crossed legs. Standing for a long time or weight lifting etc also increases the blood pressure and hence take breaks in between if the job has such requirements. Instead of standing for long period, take periodic walk as a motioned body is least affected with varicose vein.
Hot and Cold Soak
Take two buckets and fill one with cold water and other with hot water and add two table spoon of Epsom salt for each quart of water. Immerse the legs in hot water for about three minutes and then in cold water for 30 seconds. Continue this practice for at least three times a day for a month. Instead of Epsom salt one can also use any aromatherapy oil such as geranium oil, rosemary oil etc. Instead of soaking the leg one can also apply alternate hot and cold compress on the affected leg.
Juices
Consuming fruits juices that are extracted freshly help to cure varicose vein. Juice extracted from dark colored berries such as blackberry, blueberry, cherry etc contain anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin which are beneficial for strengthening and toning the vein’s walls.
Pineapple juice containing bromelain helps to avoid blood clots that may get formed in the veins. Drink any of these juices daily once or twice provides maximum benefits. These juices can be taken either alone or in combination with other fruit juices or vegetable juices such as beet, apple, celery, carrot, parsley etc.
Massaging
Massaging the leg helps to remove the congested bodily tissues and alleviate the discomforts of varicose vein. But while massaging care should be taken to avoid massaging directly on the affected veins rather keep the leg over a pillow and work up from the ankle to the hip and practice this for five minutes daily. Massaging the leg with rosemary oil or geranium oil mixed with carrier oil like almond oil is an effective way of treating varicose vein.
Mud pack
Mix fuller’s earth powder with water to make a paste and apply this paste on the affected areas and leave for the whole night. Next morning rinse the mudpack with water.When the swelling and pain of the varicose vein becomes incapacitating or the skin above the varicose vein becomes ulcerous, flaky or has a reddish appearance which indicates circulatory problems or ruptured varicose vein, consult a doctor immediately.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.