11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Varicose Veins

 

Men and women can both develop varicose veins, which are bulgy, lumpy, and dark in color (typically blue or purple), despite the fact that we tend to think of them as a woman's disease. It is estimated that between 50 and 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States have some form of vein disease, with varicose veins affecting roughly half of all individuals aged 50 and above. Naturally, this prompts a lot of individuals to look into ways to remove varicose veins.

Because of hormonal factors, they are a typical issue in elderly or pregnant women. They usually appear gradually as people age and their veins lose their natural suppleness as a result of increased inflammation.

Varicose veins can affect persons of any age or race, although they are at least twice as common in women as in men. Light-skinned folks are typically the most affected since they are the most noticeable.

Varicose veins can be prevented and treated in a variety of methods, from costly surgery to the use of natural essential oils. To reduce the visibility of bulging veins without a lot of risk, it's a good idea to attempt home treatments for varicose veins before resorting to costly laser operations or irritating prescription lotions, which aren't always helpful and should truly be regarded last-resort solutions.

To find out more about how to remove varicose veins, continue reading.

What are varicose veins?

When blood pools because of poor vein valves, varicose veins—swollen, twisted veins—form. Veins normally return blood to the heart, but when the valves in the veins fail, blood can flow backward and build up, giving the veins their distinctive bulging look.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from the widespread ailment known as varicose veins. These swollen, twisted veins can produce pain, swelling, and aching feelings and usually develop on the legs as a result of standing and walking strain.

They can also be a sign of underlying circulation problems, even though they are sometimes dismissed as cosmetic concerns. For this reason, a lot of people search for therapy alternatives.

In order to lessen the look and symptoms of varicose veins, there are several medical treatments as well as natural solutions.

Causes and symptoms

What leads to varicose veins?

Typical reasons include:

• Genetics (varicose veins in the family)
• Extended periods of sitting or standing
• Obesity causes the veins to become more compressed.
• Due to hormonal changes and an increase in blood volume, pregnancy
• Vein walls and valves deteriorate with age.
• Absence of exercise, which results in impaired circulation

What signs and symptoms indicate varicose veins?

Among the symptoms are:

• Blue or purple veins that are visible and bulging
• Leg pain that is heavy, aching, or throbbing
• swelling in the ankles and lower legs
• Around the afflicted veins, there is itching or inflammation.
• cramping in the muscles, particularly at night
• Discoloration of the skin surrounding the veins

Varicose veins contain deoxygenated blood, which is why they seem blue. Since any vein can develop varicose, they most frequently appear on the legs, particularly the thighs and calves, but they can also occasionally appear on the face, stomach, or lower back.

Who is most susceptible to varicose veins? The following individuals are at the highest risk of developing varicose veins, per the Interventional Radiology & Surgery Department at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania:

• elderly individuals, particularly those over 50

• Those that are fat or overweight

• Blood can "pool" in the legs or slow down in those whose employment demand them to stand or sit for extended periods of time.

• people who lead sedentary lifestyles and engage in little physical exercise

• individuals who have poor circulation and elevated inflammation due to factors such as poor food, inactivity, limb injuries, hormone imbalances, and excessive stress

• women who are pregnant or recently gave birth

• women on birth control tablets, menopausal women, or teenagers going through puberty

• those who have relatives with varicose veins

• light-skinned individuals who have been exposed to a lot of sunlight and developed skin deterioration

People who have varicose veins may experience symptoms including weariness, muscular aches, and "heavy limbs" in addition to the development of unattractive veins.

Although the mechanism by which varicose veins form is widely recognized, the majority of dermatologists will tell you that there is no one explanation for them. Veins get stretched and filled with stagnant blood, which is the fundamental cause of varicose veins.

"Under the pressure of gravity these veins continue to expand and, in time, they may become longer, twisty, pouched, thickened, and painful," according to the Vascular Disease Foundation.

Normally, a system of arteries and capillaries carries blood from the heart to different cells throughout the body. After that, it travels back to the heart via veins, which typically only transport blood in one direction.

Muscle contraction aids in vein squeezing, which returns blood to the heart. (An explanation for the circulatory benefits of regular exercise.)

One-way valves in veins have a built-in system to assist stop blood from flowing in the incorrect direction, but in varicose veins, some blood begins to flow backward, which results in swelling. Poor circulation is a result of vein valve weakness, though it's unclear why some people have more frequent valve problems than others.

Vein walls grow rigid and lose part of their inherent flexibility as blood begins to pool in varicose veins, making it more difficult for the veins to efficiently pump blood back to the heart.

Varicose veins frequently appear around deep or perforated veins because they develop where valves malfunction. One of the most frequent causes of varicose veins is the great saphenous vein, also known as the long saphenous vein. It is a big, subcutaneous vein located in the legs.

Venous insufficiency, a condition where blood pools in some veins, causes the vein to enlarge as the blood remains stagnant and the vein hardens.

Some of the underlying causes of this blood pooling process include risk factors such as:

• Hormonal changes: Research has indicated that women are more susceptible to varicose veins than males because of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause. It is thought that female-dominant hormones, particularly during pregnancy, adolescence, birth control pill use, and the menopausal transition, have a tendency to relax veins more frequently and raise the risk of blood leakage. In order to support the developing baby, pregnant women also create more blood, which makes them more prone to blood pooling in the legs or close to the stomach as the body struggles to resist pressure and gravity. 

• Congenital (structural) anomalies of the veins

• Vein inflammation or internal blood clots

• Vein injuries, heart conditions, or an obstruction preventing proper blood flow

• Gaining weight can cause circulation to slow down if the person also has increased inflammation. Additionally, the veins are put under additional strain when a person needs to carry a heavier body weight.

Are varicose veins a cause for concern and a major issue?

Varicose veins are typically a cosmetic concern that won't produce any symptoms and is unlikely to be a contributing factor to more serious health issues. The majority of blood is still returned to the heart, and very little blood collects in the veins.

You can consider them a warning indication, nevertheless, that something is preventing regular blood flow.

Varicose veins can occasionally burst, leading to problems including swelling and open skin sores. Muscle aches or swelling in the ankles and legs are the most prevalent uncomfortable symptoms that might interfere with regular walking, work, sleep, and exercise.

In addition, some people—particularly pregnant women—develop leg heaviness or fullness, restlessness, exhaustion, soreness, cramping, skin ulcers and itching, as well as skin thickness and discolouration. Additionally, there is a slight chance that varicose veins will result in thrombophlebitis, or blood clotting, in which case prompt medical attention will be required.

"The treatment options for varicose veins range from conservative (e.g., medications, compression stockings, lifestyle changes) to minimally invasive (e.g., sclerotherapy or endoluminal ablation), to invasive (surgical techniques), to hybrid (combination of ≥1 therapies)," according to a 2012 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

According to a 2007 study in the Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, over half of individuals treated for varicose vein surgeries would experience some recurrent varicose sites within ten years after the procedure, and nerve damage are prevalent after varicose vein procedures.

One sign of an underlying venous insufficiency condition is varicose veins. This holds true regardless of the presence of additional symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Before surgery or other treatments are ever considered, you will probably be recommended to make certain lifestyle changes if you visit a dermatologist or other medical professional to discuss your options. Along with many other benefits like increased energy, clearer skin, improved digestion, and heart health, these can significantly assist reduce blood pooling in your veins.

Starting with natural therapies is a terrific choice if you're wondering how to get rid of varicose veins because they are significantly less expensive than operations and, best of all, they represent little to no risk.

How to naturally remove varicose veins

If you're searching for natural solutions to get rid of varicose veins, a few home treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help increase circulation and lessen discomfort.

1. Work out

In addition to the many other advantages of exercise, one of the greatest ways to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation is to engage in regular exercise. According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, standing for extended periods of time without moving around much or sitting (particularly with bad posture, such as having your legs crossed or your head forward) are linked to a higher risk of varicose veins and other types of blood pooling.

It becomes more difficult for your veins to effectively pump blood back to your heart and combat the effects of gravity when you remain still for an extended period of time. Additionally, exercise is a terrific way to lower blood pressure, lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight, and help naturally balance hormones—all of which can lead to varicose veins.

Experts advise avoiding varicose veins by strengthening and stretching the veins surrounding the legs with exercises like side lunges, leg lifts, calf raises, and bicycle legs. Because they relieve pressure, low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking are also perfect for those with varicose veins.

Take it carefully if you feel pain when you first start exercising, and after a session, try heating or icing aching muscles. In order to reduce pain and swelling, you should also elevate your legs. You can also try compression stockings, which apply light pressure to the leg to prevent blood from pooling.

2. Sustaining an appropriate weight

Overweight persons, particularly women and the elderly, are more likely to develop varicose veins. Being overweight increases the strain on your veins, which can lead to reflux or inflammation, particularly in the larger superficial veins, such the saphenous vein in your legs.

According to an article about the link between obesity and varicose veins in the Huffington Post, varicose veins are frequently harder to diagnose and treat in overweight individuals because they are frequently overlooked until they become larger and more inflamed (up to four or five centimeters long, deep inside the leg).

3. Hormone balance using essential oils

Numerous essential oils can help reduce inflammation and hormone abnormalities while also increasing blood flow. Cypress oil, which can boost circulation and assist the circulatory system, is among the best for treating vein issues especially.

For a few weeks, try applying five drops of cypress essential oil twice a day to the troublesome area. Try applying modest doses of other diluted essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oil, to relieve aching muscles, blisters, or swelling.

4. Anti-inflammatory diet

By reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow, some foods can help heal varicose veins more quickly and stop new ones from developing.

Poor diets that are heavy in processed foods, sugar, coffee, alcohol, and trans fats can cause low circulation, arterial damage, blood pressure issues, hormone imbalances, and weight gain. In addition to being dehydrating and heavy in sodium, several of these meals also contain toxins that can exacerbate varicose vein swelling.

The following are a few of the greatest anti-inflammatory foods to lessen the visibility of varicose veins:

• Foods high in fiber. Fiber is essential for normal digestive processes and also helps to strengthen the heart. Constipation, which can lead to bloating and increased strain on the veins surrounding the legs and abdomen, can be avoided by eating 30 to 40 grams of fiber each day. Omega-3 foods like chia and flaxseeds, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables, sprouted or soaked legumes, and ancient grains, are high in fiber.

• Foods high in antioxidants. Antioxidants like flavonoids, which are found in berries, and vitamins C and E, which are found in citrus fruits and green vegetables, aid to promote vascular health, fight inflammation, and strengthen veins. Vitamin E is linked to heart health, functions as a natural blood thinner, and helps prevent blood clots. Vitamin C is good for skin health and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

• Natural diuretics. Diuretic medications are occasionally prescribed by doctors to help improve urine and decrease edema or water retention. Consuming fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil), fennel, dandelion greens, cucumber, asparagus, and celery can safely have the same effect.

• Food items high in magnesium. Leg cramps (such as restless leg syndrome), blood pooling, and blood pressure issues are indicators of electrolyte shortages, such as those in potassium and magnesium. Increase consumption of foods like leafy greens, avocado, bananas, cruciferous vegetables, and sweet potatoes to combat these symptoms.

• Spicy cuisine. Spiced foods, like curry or cayenne pepper, help warm the body and increase blood flow, which promotes good circulation and even regulates hunger and weight.

• Fish captured in the wild. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy blood flow, are found in fish and seafood such as wild salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and tuna.

• ACV stands for apple cider vinegar. ACV is a powerful anti-inflammatory and increases circulation in the vein walls. In just a few weeks, many people discover that applying ACV and witch hazel to varicose veins reduces swelling and enhances their appearance.

5. Natural herbs

It has been discovered that bilberry and horse chestnut, two plants that have been used as folk remedies for thousands of years, are safe and beneficial in treating varicose veins. Both have been investigated for chronic venous insufficiency, which results in pain, swelling in the ankles, a heavy feeling, itching, and cramping in the legs at night.

Additionally, they help reduce diarrhea, edema, water retention, circulatory issues, PMS pains, and other skin-related issues.

The bilberry plant's berries can be consumed or turned into tea or extracts. The seeds, leaves, bark, and blooms of the horse chestnut tree, sometimes known as the buckeye, are used to make extracts, creams, lotions, teas, and capsules.

Seek out horse chestnut seed extract that has been standardized to include the active component, aescin (escin), in a concentration of 16–20%. One hundred milligrams of horse chestnut should be taken every day.

It is advised to take bilberry twice a day in quantities of roughly 160 mg.

These can also be used in conjunction with butcher's broom (200 mg per day), grape seed extract (200 mg per day), and vitamin E (400 IU per day) to assist increase blood flow, shield veins, and safely provide natural blood-thinning effects.

Increasing consumption of the bioflavonoid rutin may also assist to strengthen and protect vein walls. Bioflavonoids, which are present in grape seeds, pine bark, cranberries, hawthorn, blueberries, and other plants that contain antioxidants like vitamin C, help reduce varicose vein swelling, throbbing, and pain.

6. Raising your legs

For 15 to 20 minutes, elevate your legs above your heart to encourage blood flow and reduce edema. By lowering peripheral edema and venous pressure, elevating the legs is a conservative treatment method for varicose veins that aims to reduce symptoms.

Leg elevation is one conservative treatment for varicose veins, according to a 2019 American Family Physician article. This can help reduce symptoms including a heavy, achy feeling and burning or itchy sensations that get worse with prolonged standing. Leg elevation was also mentioned in a 2008 review as a conservative treatment option for varicose veins with the goal of minimizing symptoms and averting consequences.

Leg elevation can help with symptoms like leg pain and heaviness that are linked to varicose veins, according to a 2019 article in FP Essentials about chronic venous insufficiency.

7. Socks with compression

By exerting progressive pressure to the legs, compression stockings are frequently used to treat varicose veins because they encourage venous return and lower venous pressure. These specifically made socks lessen vein swelling and increase circulation.

According to a 2020 study, endothelial function improved and oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation indicators decreased when compression stocking therapy was applied to the varicose vein wall. This implies that compression stockings might have a beneficial effect on the health of the venous wall.

8. Drink plenty of water.

Maintaining enough blood circulation is facilitated by drinking lots of water. One of the best strategies for eliminating varicose veins is to improve blood circulation.

9. Dry brushing, massage, and naturopathy

Using a dry brush or massaging the legs might help improve circulation and decrease fluid retention.

The effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on individuals with chronic venous disease (CVD), which frequently includes varicose veins, were examined in a 2013 study. The results showed that MLD enhanced these patients' quality of life, hemodynamic parameters, and clinical stages.

Another study looked at how yoga and naturopathy worked together to treat simple varicose veins. According to the findings, this combination decreased inflammatory markers and blood pressure, suggesting that endothelial tissue inflammation in the microvascular system of patients with varicose veins may have recovered.

10. Steer clear of extended standing or sitting

Regularly shifting positions keeps blood from accumulating in the veins. Prolonged standing at work raised the chance of hospitalization for varicose veins by 1.75 times for men and 1.82 times for women, accounting for more than one-fifth of all cases among the working-age population, according to a 12-year prospective study of the Danish population.

Long periods of standing at work were found to be substantially linked to a higher risk of varicose veins and nocturnal leg cramps in both men and women, according to another study conducted among Korean employees. 83.4% of workers in standing positions and 59.4% of workers in sitting positions had signs of chronic venous diseases, according to another research on employees working in prolonged standing or sitting postures. This suggests that prolonged standing is associated with a higher risk.

Reducing extended periods of inactivity may help stop varicose veins from getting worse and ease their symptoms. Regular activity and avoiding prolonged immobility are recommended for those with varicose veins in order to manage symptoms and maybe slow the progression of the condition.

11. Clothing that doesn't restrict

In order to lessen peripheral edema and ease symptoms, a 2019 article in American Family Physician suggested wearing non-restrictive clothing as part of conservative therapy options for varicose veins.

In 1975, another study found that the occurrence of varicose veins was minimal in a population in New Guinea. It also noted that there were no factors, such as tight clothes, that are thought to be significant in other communities.

These results suggest that avoiding tight clothing may help manage varicose veins since it may obstruct normal blood flow. To prove a direct causal link between non-restrictive clothing and the prevention or improvement of varicose veins, further focused research is necessary.

Varicose veins vs. spider veins

Although both names are frequently used interchangeably, there are some differences between these two skin disorders. While their causes are somewhat similar, their appearances are not quite the same.

Telangiectasias, or spider veins, typically resemble tiny lines or web-like structures. Spider veins are sometimes referred to as "starbust clusters" because they typically appear as numerous black dots grouped together in one spot, usually on the skin's surface.

Spider veins typically appear on the legs, calves, ankles, and feet, just like varicose veins do. Because spider veins are found on the outermost layers of the skin, they are typically smaller than varicose veins and are less likely to cause pain or symptoms.

Reticular veins, which are smaller than varicose veins but larger than spider veins, are another comparable ailment.

Treatment for medical varicose veins

In circumstances that are more serious, medical intervention can be required. The best therapies consist of:

• Sclerotherapy. An injection of a substance into the vein causes it to shut and fade during this minimally invasive technique.

• Laser treatment. seals off spider veins and smaller varicose veins using laser radiation.

• Ablation by endovenous laser or radiofrequency. methods that use heat to seal off troublesome veins.

• ligation and vein stripping. a surgical operation to remove veins that are seriously affected.

• Sclerotherapy with foam. Larger veins are shrunk by injecting a foam solution into them to stop blood flow.

• Phlebectomy. a modest surgical treatment that involves making tiny skin punctures to remove little varicose veins.

Frequently asked questions

How can varicose veins be fixed?

Compression stockings, medical procedures like sclerotherapy, laser treatments, or vein surgery, or lifestyle modifications like exercise, weight loss, and leg elevation can all be used to treat varicose veins.

Are varicose veins permanent?

The majority of the time, varicose veins do not disappear on their own. Treatments may make them look better, but if nothing is done, they frequently get worse over time.

What is varicose veins' primary cause?

Vein hypertrophy and inadequate blood flow are primarily caused by weak or damaged vein valves.

Can someone with varicose veins lead a normal life?

Indeed, a lot of people with varicose veins lead regular lives, particularly if they are not causing significant problems. However, medication may be required if symptoms worsen.

How can varicose veins be removed the quickest?

Varicose veins can be rapidly and successfully reduced or removed with minimally invasive techniques including radiofrequency ablation, EVLT, or sclerotherapy.

When are varicose veins a cause for concern?

Significant pain, swelling, skin ulcers, bleeding, or the sensation of a hard or heated vein (which may indicate a blood clot) should all raise concerns.

Do varicose veins pose a threat?

Although most varicose veins are not harmful, they can occasionally cause problems including bleeding, skin ulcers, or blood clots.

Do varicose veins hurt?

They might be. Legs can hurt, throb, feel heavy, or burn for some people, especially after standing or sitting for extended periods of time.

Final thoughts

• According to experts, between 50 and 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States have some form of vein disease, with varicose veins affecting roughly half of all adults aged 50 and over.

• Varicose veins can affect persons of any age or race, although they are at least twice as common in women as in men.

• Are you wondering how to remove varicose veins? An anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, keeping a healthy weight, essential oils for hormone balance, and natural herbs like horse chestnut and bilberry are all part of the treatment for natural varicose veins.

• High-fiber, high-antioxidant, natural diuretic, magnesium-rich, spicy, wild-caught seafood, and apple cider vinegar are the finest foods to eat as part of an anti-inflammatory diet to treat varicose veins.

• Spider veins typically appear on the legs, calves, ankles, and feet, just like varicose veins do. Because spider veins are found on the outermost layers of the skin, they are typically smaller than varicose veins and are less likely to cause pain or symptoms.