Varicose Vein Pain – Symptoms and Treatment

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose vein pain is commonly associated with swollen, twisted veins beneath the skin. These painful veins often appear blue or dark purple, primarily on the legs, feet, and ankles. Over 30% of people in the United States suffer from varicose veins. 

Millions of people throughout the country are dealing with the pain and discomfort that develop from varicose veins. While a wealth of information is available on eliminating varicose veins, easing varicose vein pain can be challenging.

As medical technology advances, more options become available for relieving varicose vein pain. From minimally invasive procedures to natural remedies, patients now have various choices. It’s crucial to schedule a consultation to determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.

Strategies for Alleviating Varicose Vein Symptoms

Understanding the underlying causes of varicose veins is crucial to finding effective ways to alleviate pain. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly manage the discomfort associated with this condition. Discover simple steps below to alleviate varicose vein pain.

1. Optimize Blood Flow with Leg Elevation

Elevating your legs is simple and effective. Varicose veins are caused by poor blood flow back to the heart, often worsened by gravity. Weak veins struggle to move blood efficiently when your legs are below your heart. By elevating your legs, you can harness the force of gravity in your favor. Aim to keep your legs above your heart for four 15-minute daily intervals. Start by using pillows in bed or raising your legs at your desk.

2. Relieve Varicose Vein Pain with Cold Water Soaks

If you’ve experienced increased vein discomfort in warmer weather, you’re likely familiar with the aggravating effect of heat on varicose veins. Higher temperatures can cause veins to dilate, making it more challenging for them to circulate blood effectively. A brief soak in cold water can help constrict the veins, relieving pain during flare-ups.

3. Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration improves overall body function, including blood mitigation. Since circulatory problems contribute to varicose veins, maintaining proper hydration can significantly reduce painful varicose veins. 

4. Keep Active

Movement is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation. Prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to stagnant blood flow, potentially exacerbating varicose vein symptoms. Make a conscious effort to incorporate regular stretches to stimulate your heart and give your veins the necessary boost to perform optimally.

5. Choose Comfortable, Loose-Fitting Clothing

Tight clothing like boxer briefs and stretchy pants might be comfortable, but they can restrict blood flow to your lower body. This added constriction can be particularly challenging for varicose veins struggling to circulate blood effectively. Opting for loose clothing can alleviate unnecessary pressure and discomfort, promoting healthier vein function.

Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins

Natural remedies have mixed results and effectiveness. Although they are generally safe, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any of these remedies.

• Garlic: This perennial favorite is widely known for improving the circulatory system and fighting inflammation by breaking down harmful toxins in the blood vessels and improving blood flow.
• Lemons: The vitamin C in lemons helps treat varicose veins and fluctuating blood pressure.
• Butcher’s Broom: This herb is rich in ruscogenin a compound that fights inflammation and improves circulation.
• Cayenne Pepper: This spice is high in capsaicin—a compound that can help prevent blood clotting and increase blood flow.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help improve blood circulation by applying it directly to the skin’s surface near the vein or ingesting it.
• Grapes: The seeds in grapes are rich in antioxidants that can improve blood circulation. Horse chestnut is one of the oldest treatments for varicose veins. Horse chestnuts contain beneficial compounds that can prevent the veins from narrowing and becoming stiff.
• Witch Hazel: This herb works great for removing plaque from the veins. A simple infused bath or soaking legs with a cloth will alleviate symptoms.

Preventing Varicose Vein Pain: Tips and Strategies

Preventing varicose vein pain is crucial for successful treatment. We explore three effective methods to avoid discomfort from varicose veins.

Move Your Body

Regular exercise is crucial to alleviating varicose vein pain. Regular physical activity strengthens your cardiovascular system, reduces strain on the veins, and promotes a healthier weight. Embracing a consistent exercise routine can relieve significant pain from leg veins.

Eat Healthy

When it comes to varicose vein pain, focus on a nourishing diet rather than calorie counting. Prioritize fiber-rich foods such as wheat, oats, flaxseed, and avocados. Opt for potassium-rich foods such as almonds, yogurt, chicken, and oranges. Additionally, for better vein health, include flavonoid-rich choices like onions, garlic, and broccoli.

Medical Treatment

At Specialty Vein Care in Norfolk, we specialize in treating varicose vein conditions to enhance your quality of life and restore confidence in your appearance. We offer a wide range of safe and effective treatments. Our range of safe and effective treatments includes:

Sclerotherapy: This minimally invasive technique entails injecting a sclerosing agent into the affected vein. This then prompts the vein walls to seal, eventually leading to its complete disappearance from view. Nearby healthy veins actively redirect the blood flow.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy: Duplex ultrasound is employed to pinpoint the affected vein and guide an exceptionally fine needle directly into it. A sclerosing agent is injected into the vein through this needle, causing its walls to fuse and eventually leading to its complete disappearance from view. The entire procedure may be less than an hour, depending on the number of veins to be treated.

Radiofrequency Endovenous Ablation: This technique utilizes radiofrequency waves to generate heat within the affected veins, sealing them shut. Next, blood is redirected through adjacent healthy veins while the treated veins gradually vanish from view. 

Venaseal Closure: The treatment is the latest minimally invasive option approved for treating veins. Afterwards, blood swiftly flows through healthy veins. 

Relieve Your Pain at Specialty Vein Care in Norfolk

You deserve to live a life free of varicose vein pain.  With expertise as a general and vascular surgeon, Dr. Frasca has successfully addressed various vascular conditions, including varicose veins, spider veins, and venous ulcerations.  We are happy to start you on the road to healthy, happy, pain-free legs. If you are ready to learn more about eliminating varicose vein pain, call our office at 508-660-1115 or fill out our online contact form.