How to treat varicose veins at home

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Quoc Viet - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 20 years of experience in the examination and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and Cardiovascular Interventions (Including angiography, dilation, stenting of coronary arteries, renal arteries...), placing temporary pacemakers , forever...

Varicose veins in the legs cause pain, fatigue, aching and heaviness in the legs. The bulging veins also affect the aesthetics, making the patient lack of confidence. Patients should refer to home remedies for varicose veins to effectively treat this condition.

Veins are blood vessels in the body that carry blood from organs to the heart for filtration. There are small valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing upstream. When these valves are damaged, become weak, blood in the veins will circulate uncontrollably, creating pressure that causes the veins to dilate, twist and bulge on the surface of the skin. Occasionally, prominent blue and purple varicose veins can be observed just below the skin. This condition is called varicose veins.
Varicose veins can develop in many places on the body (esophagus, anus, scrotum, ...), but occurs most commonly in the legs and thighs. Women during pregnancy are also at increased risk of varicose veins. This phenomenon may gradually decrease after giving birth or not improve depending on each specific case.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities :
Visible veins below the surface may be observed; A burning or stinging sensation in the legs; There is a feeling of discomfort, heaviness in the legs; or cramps, especially at night; Swollen feet and ankles; The skin above the varicose veins is dry, blood-colored, itchy, and worse, can cause skin ulcers, infection, or embolism. Varicose veins often cannot be completely cured. Treatment measures can only improve the condition of the disease, the risk of recurrence in the future is still high. Therefore, patients need to follow a scientific, healthy lifestyle and apply home remedies for varicose veins treatment at home to further support the medical methods prescribed by the doctor.

2.1 Leg lifts, massage and physical activity Leg lifts: Can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and leg swelling in people with early stage varicose veins. To treat the disease effectively, it is necessary to raise the leg above the level of the heart, keep the leg in this position for at least 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day; Massage: A method to help support blood circulation, especially in the legs - where varicose veins are. The technique of varicose vein massage is done gently, avoiding putting pressure on the large veins. When massaging, it is recommended to use gentle full-hand pressure or use pressure from the fingertips to massage from the heel to the individual eye. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop the massage and raise your legs; Physical activity: For people with varicose veins, especially in the early stages, physical activity is an effective treatment support measure. However, patients should pay attention not to choose exercises that put a lot of pressure on the legs, should not run because it can make varicose veins worse. Exercises that help increase blood circulation and are effective in treating the disease are walking, stretching, yoga or ankle rotation,...; Lifestyle changes: Avoid walking or sitting for too long, especially for people who work in an office. It is best to change positions more often to avoid obstructing blood flow, get up and do short stretching exercises,... At the same time, people with varicose veins should avoid legs. Wearing high heels for a long time because wearing high heels increases the contraction of leg muscles, brings blood to the veins, aggravates blood stasis in the lower extremities.

2.2 Adjusting the diet Changing the diet so that it is scientific and healthy is a good solution for health problems, especially the condition of varicose veins in the legs. Some tips for patients with varicose veins of the legs are:
Increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamins C and E as they help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, keeping veins stronger, less dilated than; It is recommended to add foods rich in fiber such as beans, seeds, oats, flaxseeds, wheat, cereals, ... into the diet because they can prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the veins. ; You should eat cabbage because this food is rich in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, ... and fiber, which helps destroy fermentable substances in the blood and pain relief; Eat more foods containing flavonoids such as onions, spinach, broccoli, cocoa, garlic, citrus fruits, grapes, cherries, apples, ... because they help reduce arterial pressure, improve condition varicose veins, shrinking varicose veins; Increase the intake of foods rich in potassium such as almonds, legumes, potatoes, vegetables, salmon, tuna, ... as they can help improve the condition of varicose veins by reducing water retention. in the body; Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water to drink because apple cider vinegar has the ability to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling of veins.

2.3 Use of socks to prevent varicose veins Varicose veins (varicose medical socks) are tighter than regular socks, which help to improve varicose veins in the legs by applying proper pressure on the legs so that the veins are not dilated further. At the same time, the elastic socks also support the muscles and veins in directing blood circulation to the heart.
Research has shown that socks can reduce or prevent leg swelling at night. People who often have to stand, walk or sit for a long time should wear medical socks to reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs.
2.4 Other measures Being overweight increases the risk of varicose veins, so it is important to maintain an ideal weight to reduce pressure on the veins, reduce swelling, pain and discomfort for the patient; Choose to wear loose, comfortable clothes instead of tight clothes because tight clothes will affect the body's blood circulation; Apply olive oil on varicose veins to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. If mixing olive oil with vitamin E will give better effect; Squeeze garlic mixed with olive oil and then apply to the affected area to reduce inflammation, detoxify the blood, help blood circulate more easily, treat varicose veins quickly and effectively; Apply chamomile oil along with coconut oil to the legs before bed to relieve venous pain; Chop some parsley, put in a cup of water, boil for about 5-7 minutes and then let it cool. Next, add a little essential oil, apply to the area with varicose veins, do 2 times a day until healed; Take 3 aloe vera leaves, 1 carrot and 1⁄2 cups of apple cider vinegar, puree and mix all the ingredients and apply it on the varicose veins, leave it for about 30 minutes and then wash it off.

In addition, with cases of large varicose veins, except for performing home remedies, it may be necessary to combine laser ablation or surgery as prescribed by the doctor.
Varicose veins greatly affect the patient's aesthetics and quality of life. Therefore, patients should apply home remedies for varicose veins, combined with treatment according to the doctor's advice to better control the disease.
To help customers screen effectively for this disease, Vinmec International Hospital offers a package of lower extremity venous insufficiency tests to help determine the causes, complications and levels of venous insufficiency.
When choosing to use the lower extremity venous insufficiency package, customers will receive:
Cardiology specialist examination (by appointment) Peripheral blood cell analysis (by laser counter) Glucose quantification Creatinine quantification Quantitative Pro Calcitonin Measure AST Activity (GOT) Measure ALT Activity (GPT) Measure LDL - C (Low density lipoprotein Cholesterol) Quantify Triglycerides Quantify Cholesterol Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl) Normal Electrocardiogram Ultrasound heart, pericardium through the chest wall Straight chest x-ray Doppler ultrasound of the arteries and veins of the lower extremities (Vins of the lower extremities).

>> See also: Varicose veins: What you need to know - The article was professionally consulted by Master, Doctor La Thi Thuy - Cardiovascular Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.