7 Home Remedies for Varicose Veins

If you’re looking for treatment for unsightly and uncomfortable varicose veins, you’re not alone. Millions of women and men suffer with the condition and it’s estimated that 1 in 5 of us will experience it at some point in our lives. 

When you start to notice varicose veins or see them getting worse, one of the first things many people think of is whether they can do anything about it themselves through home remedies.

It’s definitely a good philosophy to try and do what you can, especially with a condition like varicose veins which can be linked to lifestyle factors.

A search of the internet will inevitably bring forth a plethora of suggestions for home remedies, but is it worth it?

Are self-help varicose veins treatments beneficial?

However, unfortunately in the case of varicose veins, self-help measures will be of limited benefit. The reason is that varicose veins are fundamentally damaged. They’ve become faulty and the damage is irreversible, which means that the only effective remedy is medical intervention.

Depending on the severity of your veins, home remedies may provide some relief from the appearance and symptoms of discomfort. They may be able to slow down the progression of the problem. So while they won’t be able to reverse or cure the damaged veins, it is worth trying to see if self-help measures are helpful.

7 home remedies for varicose veins

We’ve compiled a list of suggested treatments to try at home for varicose veins.

1. Exercise
   The number one suggested self-help remedy for varicose veins is about keeping active. Exercise boosts your circulation and this gets the blood moving in your vessels rather than pooling in the inefficient veins. It can also improve blood pressure, which is a contributory factor. It’s important to choose something you can do consistently a few times a week. If you want to start running or gym, that’s great, but you don’t need anything too strenuous – low impact exercises like swimming or walking still boost your circulation.
2. Compression stockings
   Wearing knee-high compression stockings has been demonstrated to reduce the discomfort of varicose veins. These simply apply pressure which helps the muscles and veins to keep the blood circulating and stop it pooling. They’re readily available online or in high street chemists. Unfortunately, they’re fairly unattractive, especially in summer when you may want to wear shorter clothing. They can also be difficult to fit into shoes.
3. Maintain/work towards a healthy weight
   Excess weight adds pressure on the circulatory system, so if you are carrying extra weight, losing some can be helpful in alleviating the pressure. The best way to achieve a healthy weight is through a healthy diet and active lifestyle. You need to be in calorie deficit, which means expending more calories than you consume.
4. Non-restrictive clothing
   While compression stockings can be helpful, the same does not apply to tight fitting clothing. If your clothes are too tight (e.g. around the ankles or waist), this can restrict blood flow in an unhelpful way. Loose clothing can help to improve the blood supply to your lower body.
5. Elevate your legs
   Raising your legs will reduce pressure in the leg veins and allow blood to flower more easily back to the heart. If you are going to be sitting for a long period of work or relaxation, try and keep your legs elevated. You need to try and get your legs raised to the same level or higher than your heart.
6. Massage
   Gently massaging the affected areas can help to stimulate circulation and this in turn can help to keep the blood moving through the veins. Avoid pressing too hard on the veins as you don’t want to cause any damage. Use massage oil or moisturiser as this makes it much smoother and easier. It also hydrates the skin nicely.
7. Avoid sitting/standing too long
   Try and keep active by changing position frequently, getting up and moving around. Any movement helps to keep the blood flowing smoothly. Also try to avoid sitting with crossed legs, as this can restrict blood flow through the legs.
   

Bear in mind that the best self-help treatments are preventative, so don’t expect a full cure. However, they can help to slow deterioration of your veins and make you feel more comfortable.

Varicose Vein Removal Treatments

We offer a range of varicose vein treatments using the latest laser and surgical techniques, all carried out by our experienced Vascular Surgeon on a ‘walk in walk out’ basis with no overnight stay and no general anaesthetic:

• EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) treatment offers a 95% success rate. Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer EVLA treatment at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon
• ClariVein® is a treatment which combines a mechanical with a chemical action to seal
• Foam sclerotherapy an injectable treatment for smaller varicose veins or larger thread veins
• Micro surgery for physical, surgical removal of the affected vein where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464. There’s nothing to lose but everything to gain in finding out more!