When you see veins in legs visible underneath the skin like spider webs, it is called varicose veins. Varicose veins are usually found in legs and it can occur when veins become swollen and enlarged. It is like a typical vein, however, it can cause pain and discomfort in some people. Varicose can develop because the small valves in the veins become fragile and the valves stop flowing backward from the veins. When the small valves become damaged blood accumulates in the veins and it can cause twisted and swollen veins that become visible in the legs. Aside from noticeable dark blue or purple color appearance of varicose veins, you will find other symptoms.
Other symptoms of varicose veins are burning or throbbing sensation in legs, muscle cramps that can be more noticeable at night, uncomfortable legs that feel heavy and achy, swelling of the feet and ankles, and dry or itchy skin that appears thinner because of visible veins. Varicose veins treatment can be either home remedies or medical treatment. There are lesser invasive procedures now that can treat outpatient or easily done at home. However, for the severe case of varicose veins, you’ll need to see a doctor for possible effective varicose veins solution.
1. Eat More Flavonoids
Adding foods that rich in flavonoids will help to diminish varicose veins. Flavonoids can improve blood flow and improves blood circulation around the legs. Another benefit is reduced blood pressure in arteries and relaxing blood vessels can help minimize varicose veins. It is good to know that there are diverse foods rich in flavonoids that you can add to your daily diet. These foods are cocoa, garlic, vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, spinach and broccoli, and citrus fruits such as grapes, cherries, apple, and berries.
2. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can also solve varicose before to avoid getting into varicose vein surgery. Aside from maintaining a healthy body, regular exercise can also be a varicose veins treatment. It is during exercise when blood circulation is better and helps to push along the blood that has been collected in the veins. There low impact exercises for the calf muscles that one can do without straining the muscles such as swimming, walking, cycling, and yoga.
3. Massage
Massage can prevent veins in the legs to appear. It is effective especially stimulate normal blood flow in the calf area and all over the legs. Massaging can help to keep the blood moving avoid it from accumulating in the veins in legs. You can use gentle massage oils or lotion, and apply it to the affected area. Take note that too much pressure directly onto the veins can damage fragile tissues.
4. Sclerotherapy
It is a kind of varicose veins treatment that needs to be done at a hospital or clinic. It is a treatment that makes use of a solution injected into the veins to make it shrink. It is vital to keep in mind that you need to get the service of a licensed doctor for this procedure to avoid medical malpractice. It takes a few weeks before the varicose veins fade. This kind of treatment doesn’t need any anesthesia.
5. Laser Treatment
This is not a varicose vein surgery as it does not require the use of needles or incisions during the procedure. Instead of needles, a doctor uses a new technology called laser to close-off smaller varicose veins and spider veins. It is done by sending a strong burst of light into the vein. It is an effective method to slowly treat varicose without any pain.
6. Catheter-assisted procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy
This kind of varicose veins treatment is advisable for larger varicose veins. The procedure is done by a licensed doctor through the insertion of a thin tube called a catheter into an enlarged vein. It heats the tip of the catheter using either laser energy or radiofrequency. When the catheter is pulled out the heat destroys the veins and it will collapse and shut veins.
7. Endoscopic Vein Surgery
It is a kind of varicose vein surgery that needs an operation in an advanced case known as leg ulcers. It is done when you have severe varicose veins and the other treatments failed. It is administered by a licensed surgeon with the use of a thin video camera inserted in the leg to visualize and close the varicose veins. The surgery will remove all inflamed veins through small incisions.