How to Treat Pain from Varicose Veins

September 23, 2021 Vein Care

More than 30% of the United States population has developed varicose veins. So it is a bit of an understatement to say you aren’t the only one dealing with this condition. Millions of people throughout the country are experiencing the same pain and discomfort you may feel from your varicose veins.

And while there is a ton of information about getting rid of varicose veins, it is difficult to find reliable information about managing the pain in the interim or if you aren’t a candidate for varicose vein treatment. But there are remedies — both procedural and otherwise — that can help you in a tight spot when pain levels are high.

What to Do When Varicose Vein Pain Strikes

Here are some easy actions you can take to improve the varicose vein pain:

Elevate Your Legs — There is a simple science to this remedy. Varicose veins are caused by blood being unable to effectively move through the vein back into the heart. Since your legs are lower than your heart, the blood has to fight gravity on the way back up. A weak vein simply won’t be able to get it there all that efficiently. But if you give yourself a leg up in the race by actually lifting your legs up, you can make gravity work in your favor. Grab a few pillows while you are lying in bed or kick your legs up at your desk. As long as you are getting your legs above your heart at least four times a day for 15 minutes, you may see some improvement in pain.
Soak in Cold Water — If you noticed your pain is worse during the summer, then you’ve already been exposed to the opposite effect of this remedy. Varicose veins become dilated in warm temperatures, which makes it harder for them to pump blood. The cold water helps contract the veins, meaning a quick soak in a cold pool or bath can reduce pain during flare-ups.
Stay Hydrated — Your body functions better when you are properly hydrated. One of the ways your body performs at a higher level is through better blood circulation. Circulatory issues cause varicose veins, so doing what you can to improve that function may substantially impact how much pain you feel.
Don’t Be Sedentary — Movement is the key to circulation. If you stop moving, your circulation becomes stagnant. If your circulation becomes stagnant, the pain in your varicose veins is likely to increase. Be conscious about doing regular stretches and changing positions so that your heart gets pumping and your veins get that little bit of a boost to do their jobs.
Wear Loose Clothing — Boxer briefs and stretchy pants are super comfortable, but they are more than capable of reducing blood flow to the lower parts of your body. When varicose veins are already struggling to do their job and push blood back to your heart, giving them an extra obstacle in the morning might not be worth the pain you will feel later.

Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins

All-natural remedies have varying degrees of success and even more varying degrees of viability. While they are generally pretty safe, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any of these remedies.

Garlic — This perennial favorite is widely known for its ability to improve the circulatory system and fight inflammation. Strange that Dracula hated them. He was all about excellent blood flow.
Lemons — Everyone knows lemons have vitamin C, but not everyone knows that they can also treat varicose veins and fluctuating blood pressure.
Butcher’s Broom — Ruscogenin is another compound that fights away inflammation and improves circulation, and this herb is filled with it.
Cayenne Pepper — If you can stand the heat, the compounds inside cayenne can help prevent blood clotting and increase blood flow.
Apple Cider Vinegar — Another all-time favorite, apple cider vinegar, can improve blood circulation by applying it directly to the skin’s surface near the vein or by ingesting it.
Grapes — Leaves, seeds, fruit and even the sap; it seems like every part of a grape was built to improve varicose veins.
Horse Chestnut — Possibly one of the oldest treatments for varicose veins, horse chestnuts have beneficial compounds that prevent the veins from narrowing and becoming stiff.
Witch Hazel — This herb works great for removing plaque from the veins. You don’t need to ingest it; a simple infused bath or soaking with a cloth will do the trick.

Varicose Vein Pain Prevention

Of course, the best treatment is the kind that prevents you from ever feeling any pain, so here are three ways you can prevent varicose vein pain from occurring:

1. Exercise

We know everyone always says this. But there is a ton of good that can come from it. Strengthening your cardiovascular system means less strain on the varicose vein, and a healthier weight means less overall pressure on your body. You’ll feel a huge difference in pain levels after a healthy exercise routine is adopted.

2. Diet

Our concern here isn’t calories or points. For varicose veins, it is more important to have foods that are high in fiber like wheat, oats, flaxseed and avocados; foods that are high in potassium like almonds, yogurt, chicken or oranges; and foods that are high in flavonoids like onions, garlic and broccoli.

3. Medical Treatment

There are plenty of different varicose vein treatments available to you. At Specialty Vein Care, we focus on being able to treat these exact conditions, restore your quality of life and get you feeling confident about your appearance once again. Sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, radiofrequency endovenous ablation, Venaseal Closure — all of these treatments can be provided to you safely and effectively.

Relieve Your Pain at Specialty Vein Care in Norfolk

If you are ready to learn more about how you can eliminate varicose vein pain, give our office a call at 508-660-1115 or fill out our online contact form. We are looking forward to going through this journey with you and being the help you need.