Most people don't even see varicose veins as a disease—they think of them only as something cosmetic. Actually, this is far from the case. People with varicose veins have a disease, a disease with a cosmetic aspect. Blue, swollen, lumpy-looking veins and their cousins, the crimson "spider veins", are only the most evident signs of varicose vein disease. Veterans of this condition know only too well that these visible veins often come with achy, tire, listless legs.
The condition is usually not life-threatening so there's no reason to panic or rush to a doctor. If you have varicose veins, however, you will be better knowing how to manage them.
Don't feel guilty. By far the greatest risk factor for varicose veins is having a parent with the problem, as the disease is largely inherited and is not caused by crossing your legs.
Get gravity on your side. Using a couch, pillows, or an easy chair, raise your legs above hip level whenever they ache, and the discomfort will start to go away.
Wear support hose. They help provide relief. These stockings, available in drugstores and department stores, resist the blood's tendency to pool in the small blood vessels closest to the skin. Instead, the blood is pushed into the larger, deeper veins, where it is more easily pumped back to the heart.
Throw those veins a one-two punch. Do the following exercise: slip on your support hose. Then lie flat on your back and raise your legs straight up in the air, resting them against a wall. Hold this position for 2 minutes. This allows the blood to flow out of the swollen leg veins and back toward your heart. repeat throughout the day, if possible, as often as needed.
Tilt your bed. Raise the foot of your bed several inches. However, if you have the history of heart trouble or if you have any difficulty breathing during the night, consult a doctor before adjusting your bed.
Wear sensible shoes. Varicose veins are discomforting enough for the legs. Don't give your legs extra trouble by wearing high heels or cowboy boots.
Watch your weight. Added body weight means more pressure on your legs,one reason pregnant women often get varicose veins. Keep your weight down, and chances are you'll have fewer problems with bulging veins.
Be suspicious of he Pill. Hormonal imbalances, which sometimes occur with birth control pills, can be the cause of spider veins. If your problem appeared after you started the Pill, there may be a connection.
Don't smoke. There is a correlation between smoking and the incidence of varicose veins.
Go for a walk. Prolonged sitting or standing can cause problems in your legs because the blood tends to pool. A little bit of exercise throughout the day, particularly walking, can often prevent this.
Try some herbs. Horse chestnut and butcher's broom are the top-shelf herbs when it comes to varicose vein relief. These herbs are believed to have the ability to strengthen and constrict the walls of varicose veins.
Find relief with water. Relief for varicose veins may be as close as your shower. While showering, alternate between applications of hot and cold water on your legs. Change temperatures at 1- to 3-minute intervals, and repeat the switch 3 times. The changing temperature gets blood moving by expanding and constricting the blood vessels.