Approximately 20 percent of the adult population will develop varicose veins. And often patients tell us they are looking for non-medical options. Either because they are not ready for medical treatment. Or a doctor has advised that their varicose veins are not causing immediate concern, therefore medical treatment can be delayed.
However, this doesn’t mean that varicose veins should be ignored. Vein specialists encourage conservative management to prevent serious complications. But for those looking for non-medical options, here are some tips on how to manage your varicose veins.
How do varicose veins develop?
When vein valves, or vein walls, become damaged they can lead to Varicose Veins. It’s a common vein disorder which typically develops the pelvis and legs, although they can form in other areas of the body. Varicose veins are common in pregnant women, people who are obese or inactive and those who stand for long periods of time. But the most common cause is that they are hereditary.
When vein damage occurs the affected veins are twisted, swollen and bluish in appearance. Often they will protrude from the skin’s surface. See more: Varicose Vein Symptoms.
Non-Medical Options for Managing Varicose Veins
As with any health condition, the best natural treatment for varicose veins is optimum nutrition to support the body in healing. Adding the following “vein-healthy” foods and supplements to your daily routine can go a long way to improve your quality of life and prevent varicose veins from getting worse:
- Flavonoids – Flavonoids are phytonutrients (beneficial plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are known to improve blood circulation, keeping the blood flowing and making it less likely to pool in the veins. They also help to reduce blood pressure in the arteries and can relax blood vessels, all of which can reduce varicose veins.
- Vitamin-C – This vital nutrient plays a crucial role in the body by strengthening connective and vascular tissue and promoting blood circulation. It also fights inflammation and helps to protect the body’s membranes against free radical damage – all of which lead to stronger vein valves and vessel walls.
Use Arnica to help ease discomfort of varicose veins
Even mild to moderate varicose veins can look and feel worse sometimes. If your job requires you to stand or sit for long periods of time, causing you considerable discomfort towards the end of the day, we recommend a light massage with Arnica cream to soothe leg pain and inflammation.
Arnica has been used in complementary and alternative medicine for hundreds of years to reduce bruising. It’s still recognised today for helping to ease the discomfort and bruise-like appearance of spider and varicose veins. Arnica is available in tablet form, as a cream or ointment.
Wear compression garments for varicose veins
The easiest and simplest non-medical way to manage chronic inflammation and discomfort from varicose veins is to wear compression stockings. These garments apply gentle pressure to the legs, aiding the muscles and veins in keeping the blood moving toward the heart.
Studies show that wearing compression stockings for just one week reduced both the severity and pain associated with varicose veins. Tip: you will get the best results if you put the garments on before getting out of bed in the morning – before gravity has taken effect.
Avoid restrictive clothing
If you suffer from varicose veins, wearing tight-fitting clothing can aggravate the condition. Tight shoes or socks in particular can restrict blood supply to the lower extremities. Whenever possible choose flat comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothes that allow good blood circulation.
Concealer for varicose veins
Sometimes you just want your varicose veins to go unnoticed. Maybe you want to enjoy a day at the beach or have a special occasion where you want people to see you and not your leg veins. Fortunately there’s a way to hide your veins with body makeup.
Just like using concealer to cover up imperfections on your face, you can do the same on your legs. Body makeup can temporarily camouflage varicose vein discolouration to give you skin a flawless appearance. For best results, choose waterproof body makeup that’s a close match for your complexion.
Seek expert advice
The doctors at The Vein Institute specialise in varicose vein treatment. We offer patients a comprehensive treatment program to treat varicose veins, with non-surgical laser treatment techniques. The benefits of laser treatment to patients are;
- Walk-in walk-out treatment
- 98% success rate
- Extremely effective
- Can be performed at a clinic (no hospitalisation)
- No general anaesthetic
- Medicare rebates apply
- No downtime or time away from work
To book a consultation and discuss our treatment program, call 1300 535 017.
