Remedies for Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins (or simply varices) are pathological dilations of the veins. It is a disorder that favors the lower limbs, although it can also occur in other areas.

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Always elongated and evident, varicose veins take on a characteristic tortuous course, constituting a real aesthetic discomfort for many women. In addition to venous insufficiency - which is the main cause - varicose veins can be the result of various disorders, such as: thrombus affecting the deep veins, compromised blood vessels, deficiency of the muscle pump, obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

Beyond aesthetic disorders, varicose veins can cause symptoms such as: swollen ankles, muscle cramps, tingling legs, swollen / tired legs, constant perception of cold and telangiectasias.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Varicose Veins; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.

. Weight control is essential to manage varicose veins, minimizing the risk of a degeneration of symptoms

Practicing physical exercise and regular sport, very useful device to promote blood circulation. It is recommended to avoid sports that require sudden jerks or movements (eg tennis or jogging); rather, prefer sports such as swimming or focus on long walks at a good pace

Raise the bed in the foot area

Wear elastic stockings / graduated compression bandages: this is a good remedy to counteract the stagnation of blood in the capillaries (a hallmark of venous insufficiency and varicose veins)

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Wearing clothing that is too tight, such as pants, underwear that is too tight, belts, and tights. This type of clothing hinders the circulation of blood, highlighting the varicose veins

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

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

Staying in too hot environments for a long time: the high external temperature can in fact favor vasodilation

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

Sitting cross-legged: some doctors believe that this position can somehow aggravate venous insufficiency, favoring the appearance of varicose veins

/obesity

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)

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

difficult to digest, such as dips, fries and foods rich in fat

Alcohol (moderate consumption)

Foods rich in caffeine (e.g. coffee, chocolate, mate-based drinks, guarana)

unsightly left by varicose veins, it is recommended to apply creams or compresses formulated with natural active ingredients with protective and capillarotropic action on the skin of the legs:

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
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) → capillarotropic / protective, anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredients increase capillary resistance, reduce permeability and promote lymphatic drainage.
Gotu kola (Gotu kola L.) → phlebotonic properties, stimulating the microcirculation

The same active ingredients can also be taken in the form of tablets or capsules, which may also be used as a complement to pharmacological treatment.

(eg. Daflon, Diosven)

Oxerutina (eg. Venoruton)

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

Streptokinase (eg. Streptase)

Sclerotherapy: the injection of sclerosing substances is an excellent pharmacological remedy to lighten the marks left by varicose veins. The injection of the drug causes an inflammatory reaction and fibrosis of the venous wall: by doing so, it is possible to significantly improve the blood circulation, given that blood is diverted into healthy veins.

Sodium tetradecylsulfate (eg Fibro Vein)
Ethanolamine oleate (eg. Ethamolin)

Anticoagulant drugs (topical application): useful remedy aimed at promoting blood circulation in the presence of varicose veins:

Heparin sulfate (eg Clarema, Hemovasal)

: from lying on your back, rest your legs on 3-4 pillows.By doing this, it is possible to prevent the formation of varicose veins by encouraging blood flow

Not smoking

Remember to move your legs often. Those 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, preventing the onset of varicose veins

See other articles tag Venous insufficiency - Varicose veins - Venous thrombosis