Varicose Vein Treatment
Prevention, Treatment And Reversal Of Varicose Veins
There is no full-proof way to prevent the occurrence of varicose veins, and once damage to the veins in your legs occurs it cannot be fully reversed. However, with proper treatment, varicose veins can be managed to prevent progression of the condition into something more serious.
There are several methods of self-care that can be used to help prevent and for treating mild cases of varicose veins, to include:
- Elevate Your Legs: Lifting your legs above the level of your heart for 30 minutes or longer at least three times per day can help reduce pressure in your leg veins and encourages the blood to flow back to your heart.
- Avoid Prolonged Standing Or Sitting: If your occupation allows, try to avoid standing or sitting in one place for prolonged periods of time. Standing or sitting stationary in one place for long periods will increase the pressure on your veins which can contribute to the formation of varicose veins.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity such as walking and other forms of exercise (especially low-impact exercise such as swimming and cycling) can enhance the blood circulation in your legs and is a great way to avoid development of varicose veins.
- Weight Management: Excess weight can put pressure on your veins and can lead to the development of varicose veins. A combination of a healthy diet and exercise can help achieve and maintain your ideal body weight.
- Proper Hydration: Staying properly hydrated will help thin the blood, making it easier to flow through your veins.
- Maintain An Active Lifestyle: Sitting or standing in one place or position for too long can hinder the proper flow of blood. Try to remain active, take regular breaks to move around or change your body position to simulate blood circulation.
- Wear Compression Stockings: Wearing compression stockings can provided additional pressure in your legs to help the leg veins pump blood back to the heart and prevent pooling.
- Smoking and tobacco use:: Smoking can contribute to the development of varicose veins as it can constrict blood vessels, trigger inflammation in the veins, damaging the lining and vein walls, while weakening their valves. Therefore, you should consider the effects of smoking and the use of tobacco products on your vein health.
- Clothing Selection: Consider your choice of clothing as tight fitting clothes and high heeled shoes can restrict blood circulation.
For more severe conditions, varicose veins may be treated with either non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical procedures such as a sclerotherapy, laser or radiofrequency ablation, or a phlebectomy.
Read more about Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.
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