If you suffer from chronic varicose veins you know how painful it can be. You probably suffer from continuous cramping pain in your legs, as well as disturbed sleep at night. However, while you should definitely consult a vascular specialist, there are certain tips you can follow to be able to relax and tolerate varicose veins on a daily basis. In this article, this is what we’ll explore…
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Exercise
Regular, low-impact exercise is best when you suffer from varicose veins. Exercise helps promote better blood circulation in the legs, which helps push along the blood that has collected and pooled in the veins. Regular exercise also helps lower your blood pressure, which in turn, helps reduce the pain of varicose veins. Some of the most effective low-impact exercises include swimming, cycling, walking, and yoga.
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Compression Stockings
These apply pressure to your legs, thereby helping your muscles and veins to move blood towards your heart. Certain studies have reported that people who wear knee-high compression stockings suffer from reduced pain and aching due to varicose veins. Compression stockings are available in most pharmacies and medical stores.
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Dietary Changes
You should cut down on salty, sodium-rich foods, as these promote water retention and aggravate varicose veins. Foods high in potassium, on the other hand, help reduce water retention. These potassium-rich foods include almonds, pistachio nuts, lentils, white beans, potatoes, leafy vegetables, and certain fish, such as salmon and tuna. Also, foods rich in fibre can prevent constipation. This prevents straining, which, in turn, can aggravate damaged valves or make them worse. Foods rich in fibre include nuts, seeds, legumes, oats, wheat, flaxseed, and whole-grain foods.
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Plant Extracts
Studies have shown that certain plant extracts may help soothe varicose veins. One of these is horse chestnut extract, called Aesculus hippocastanum L. This may help reduce leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and itching in those who have chronic venous insufficiency, which causes varicose veins. Other plant extracts that could reduce pain and leg swelling are sea pine extract, Pinus maritima and Butcher’s Broom extract, Ruscus aculeatus. You can obtain these plant extracts from certain health stores or online. You should follow the instructions carefully when using these plant extracts. Most of them should be diluted in carrier oils before being applied topically. However, do consult your vascular specialist before consuming plant extracts.
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Consume Flavonoids
If you suffer from varicose veins, eating foods that contain certain flavonoids can help your pain, swelling, and itching. Flavonoids also improve blood circulation, which keeps the blood flowing and prevents it from pooling in the veins. Foods that contain flavonoids are vegetables like onions, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli. Certain fruits also contain flavonoids, such as citrus fruits and grapes, apples, cherries, and blueberries. Also, cocoa and garlic contain flavonoids.
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Non-restrictive clothing
If you wear overly tight clothing, this can restrict blood circulation and can aggravate varicose veins. Your circulation could be improved by wearing loose-fitting clothing. Also, wearing flat shoes instead of high heels can help the varicose veins in your legs.
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Herbal Remedies
According to the National Institute of Health in the United States, consuming grape seed extract, Vitis vinifera, orally may help reduce swelling in the lower legs, as well as relieve chronic venous insufficiency. However, further research needs to be carried out to verify its efficacy. If you are consuming blood-thinners, you should avoid taking grape seed extract, as this can cause increased bleeding.
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Elevate your Legs
If you elevate your legs at the level of, or above the heart, this can help improve circulation. This also helps reduce pressure in the leg veins and blood will flow smoothly to the heart due to gravity. If you sit or lie down for long periods of time, you should elevate your legs.
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Massage
You should gently massage the affected area using gentle massage oils. Massage helps blood move through the veins. However, you should not apply too much pressure to the affected area, as this may damage fragile and sensitive tissues.
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Constant Movement
You should avoid sitting for long periods of time. If your work involves sitting for a long stretch of time, you should take regular breaks by standing and walking around. You should also avoid sitting with crossed legs, as this restricts blood flow to the legs and feet, adding to circulation problems.
So, these are some of the tips you can follow on your own, if you suffer from varicose veins. However, if you suffer from continuous, severe pain, you should consult a vascular specialist. One of the most popular treatments for varicose veins is Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). This is a minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins. This means that it does not include any instruments going into your body.
Your vascular specialist will first confirm your weak veins using Ultrasound. After this, a catheter and guide-wire will be inserted into the vein under the influence of a local anaesthetic. A laser fibre is then passed through the catheter, until it extends approximately 1 to 2 centimetres from the end, after which it is secured in place. The laser energy then seals the faulty vein and blood is redirected to the healthy veins. This entire process talks about an hour and patients can resume walking and their day-to-day activities on the same day.
You can get treated for your varicose veins, by Dr. Abhilash, one of the best vascular specialists in Hyderabad, India. He is especially adept at treating chronic varicose veins using EVLT or the treatment procedure that is best for you. He works on treating your vascular problems to enhance and maintain your vascular health. He provides you with the comprehensive healthcare that you need in a friendly and empathetic manner.
So, the next time you, or someone you know, suffers from varicose veins or any other vascular problem, do consult Dr. Abhilash for a treatment outcome that is optimal. After all, you need the right doctor to improve and maintain your vascular health…each day, every day!
For more information about and treatment for Varicose Veins, DVT, or other vascular conditions, contact Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala at (+91) 9989649498 or 9959033037, or at contact@drabhilash.com or visit our website at www.drabhilash.com