Remedies for Venous Insufficiency

it is a circulation disorder due to a difficult return of venous blood to the heart.

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Rather frequent condition, venous insufficiency can be caused by pathological alterations of the veins (eg stasis dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis, varices) or by a functional overload of the same (eg lymphedema, postural alterations).

Patients with venous insufficiency complain of swelling and tension in the lower limbs, accompanied by generalized hypoxia, calf cramps, tingling legs, skin thickening / hyperpigmentation and skin ulcers.

PLEASE NOTE

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that could be useful in the presence of venous insufficiency. This information must in no way replace the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.

Therefore, it is recommended to refer to what is indicated and prescribed by the aforementioned health professionals and, in case of doubts, to contact them.

and regular sport: the movement of the limbs promotes blood circulation. Prefer sports and physical activities that do not require jerks or sudden movements such as tennis or jogging; for example, focus on swimming or on long walks at a good pace.

Maintain your ideal weight: Obese patients are more at risk of venous insufficiency.

Remember to move your legs often: people who, for work reasons, are forced to remain in the same position for a long time should move their legs from time to time and raise themselves on the calves, to promote blood circulation.

Wear elastic stockings / graduated compression bandages: useful remedy to counteract the stagnation of blood in the capillaries, a hallmark of venous insufficiency.

Raise the bed in the foot area.

Follow relaxation and yoga courses: breathing control seems to be a good remedy to relieve leg discomfort created by venous insufficiency.

with high heels: flat shoes force the leg muscles to work harder, preserving the integrity of the veins.

Wearing clothing that is too tight, such as pants, underwear that is too tight, belts and tights - this type of clothing hinders the blood flow.

Sitting or standing for long periods: The change of position encourages blood flow.

Sitting cross-legged: Some doctors believe this position can somehow aggravate venous insufficiency.

Those at risk of venous insufficiency should avoid taking the contraceptive pill.

Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of venous insufficiency, especially in predisposed individuals.

Being exposed to the sun for long periods or taking very hot baths.

and balanced; if necessary, follow a low-calorie diet.

Consume foods rich in vitamin C and which are purple / dark blue in color.

, hyperlipidic: weight control is essential to manage venous insufficiency.

Avoid excess alcohol and coffee.

they could be useful in case of venous insufficiency, possibly also to be used in association with other treatments. Natural extracts with capillarotropic-protective action are preferred:

• Gotu kola (Gotu kola L.): phlebotonic properties, stimulating the microcirculation.
• Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): capillarotropic / protective, anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredients increase capillary resistance, reduce permeability and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Butcher's broom or butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus): anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, vaso-protective properties.
• Red grapevine (Vitis vinifera): phlebotonic, capillary-protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties.
• Blackberry (Vaccinium myrtillus): protective property of the vascular endothelium, antioxidant.

The active ingredients extracted from the plants described can be exploited in the form of compresses, topical creams or tablets (available in pharmacies or herbalists).

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PLEASE NOTE

Even if these are natural remedies, it is advisable to ask your doctor for advice before taking any product against venous insufficiency.

for topical use (such as heparan sulphate): they favor circulation in the context of venous insufficiency.

Profibrinolytic drugs: these active ingredients dissolve accumulations of fibrin, collected in the varices.

Phlebotonic drugs such as diosmin or oxerutin.

Injectable sclerosing substances (such as, for example, sodium tetradecyl sulfate): pharmacological remedy widely used for medium-sized vessels. The injection of the drug causes an inflammatory reaction and a fibrosis of the venous wall: by doing so, it is possible to significantly improve the blood circulation, since the blood is diverted into healthy veins.

, rest your legs on 3-4 pillows. By doing so, venous insufficiency can be prevented by encouraging blood flow.

Not smoking.

Avoid standing upright for a long time.

Avoid excessively hot environments: high temperatures favor vasodilation.

Wear graduated compression stockings and keep your legs raised: this "double treatment" helps prevent and manage varicose veins in the context of venous insufficiency.

Maintain a healthy weight and stay active.

, the doctor could evaluate the surgical approach. Among the treatments that can be used, we remember:

• Valvuloplasty;
• Removal of the diseased venous portion;
• Radiofrequency ablation;
• Laser therapy.

To learn more: Venous Insufficiency: What it is, Causes and Risk Factors Venous Insufficiency: Symptoms and Cures