You’re on your feet all day, and you’re tired, achy, and sore. You may have even noticed that your veins feel swollen and painful. If so, don’t worry — it could just be varicose veins.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are dilated veins that commonly occur in the legs due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). These swollen, twisted, or bulging veins can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful.

They can appear anywhere in the body but are most common in the legs.

Varicose veins affect around one in three people over 40 and commonly cause leg pain and heaviness. They’re also a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What causes varicose veins?

The exact cause of varicose veins is unknown, but there are several theories about what causes them.

The most widely accepted theory is that having poor blood flow around your body puts extra pressure on your veins and causes them to become enlarged and twisted. This can lead to varicose veins becoming more visible and painful over time.

Other factors that could contribute to developing varicose veins include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a family history of varicose veins
• A history of pregnancy or childbirth
• Increased physical activity that puts pressure on your lower limbs (e.g., standing for long periods)

If you’re experiencing varicose veins, you are probably concerned about how they will affect your health and well-being. Varicose veins can be a nuisance and embarrassing condition to have.

However, it is not life-threatening, and there are ways to reduce or eliminate them. Scroll below for more information.

What can you do to prevent or correct varicose veins?

There are several treatments available for the treatment of varicose veins.

Avoid standing for long periods. 

The longer you stand, the more likely blood will pool in your legs. If you must stand for an extended period, try to move around as much as possible.

Wear comfortable shoes and socks with good support. 

Wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor or physical therapist.

Compression stockings help keep blood flowing back into the heart from below, so fewer blood pools in the legs and feet.

Doctors prescribe these stockings to patients with varicose veins who experience swelling in their legs or feet at night or during long periods of sitting (such as driving).

Do not wear clothes that are too tight around your waist or legs. 

Tight clothing puts pressure on your leg veins and causes them to widen and bulge out of your skin.

It also increases blood pressure in your legs, making it harder for your heart to pump blood back towards your heart from your legs.

Make sure you have enough exercise in your daily routine. 

Try walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. These are all excellent forms of exercise that will improve your circulation and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins.

Try to do one of these exercises, even if it is only 10 minutes at lunchtime. but not too much as this will increase your blood pressure and strain the veins even more likely, causing them to burst or rupture, which can be very painful and require medical attention if left untreated.

What are the other options for reducing and treating varicose veins?

Other options for reducing and treating varicose veins include the following:

OTC Remedies

Some over-the-counter remedies include topical solutions like Varilux Premium or supplements like vitamin K, alfalfa, and horse chestnut seed products. These can help reduce swelling and promote blood flow.

Sclerotherapy 

Sclerotherapy is another treatment option for varicose veins. In this procedure, a doctor injects a sclerosing agent into the vein to cause it to collapse. This treatment is typically effective in treating small varicose veins, but You may also use it to treat large varicose veins when surgery isn’t an option.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

EVLT is another option for treating varicose veins that don’t require surgery. An endovenous laser system will target the abnormal blood vessel and close it off permanently by delivering heat energy directly into the vein wall.

This treatment can be done on an outpatient basis and typically provides patients with long-lasting results without requiring general anesthesia or sedation drugs.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to eliminate varicose veins, some old school, some new. While surgery is likely the only solution that’s truly effective and long-lasting, sometimes it comes down to cost, and the time investment required is a significant factor.

What works best for one person may not be the best answer for you, so do your research and have a game plan. If you feel comfortable trying it out on your own, plenty of treatments can give you a leg up on preventing and treating varicose veins.