This article is expertly advised by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Quoc Viet - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 20 experiences in examining and treating cardiovascular diseases and Cardiovascular Interventions (Including imaging, dilatation, stent placement of coronary arteries, renal arteries...), and temporary pacemaker placement. , forever...
1. Overview of varicose veins in the legs
Veins are blood vessels in the body, responsible for carrying blood from organs to the heart to filter blood. In the veins, there is a system of small valves that prevent blood from flowing upstream. When these valves are damaged and become weak, the blood in the veins will circulate uncontrollably, creating pressure that causes the veins to dilate, twist and bulge on the skin's surface. Sometimes prominent blue or purple dilated veins can be observed just under the skin. This condition is called varicose veins.
Varicose veins can develop in many locations on the body (esophagus, anus, scrotum,...), but occur most commonly in the legs and thighs. Pregnant women are also at high risk of varicose veins. This phenomenon may gradually decrease after giving birth or not improve depending on each specific case.
Symptoms of lower limb varicose veins:
- Prominent veins below the surface, may have been observed;
- There is a burning or throbbing feeling in the legs;
- There is a feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the legs;
- Frequent cramps, especially at night;
- Swelling of feet and ankles;
The skin above the varicose veins becomes dry, changes color, itches, and in more severe cases can cause skin ulcers, infection, or blood clots.
Varicose veins often cannot be completely treated. Treatments can only improve the condition, the risk of recurrence in the future remains high. Therefore, patients need to adhere to a scientific, healthy lifestyle and apply measures to treat varicose veins of the lower limbs at home to further support the medical methods prescribed by the doctor.
Varicose veins of the legs
2. How to treat varicose veins in the legs at home
2.1 Practice leg lifting, massage and physical activity
- Leg lift: Can reduce symptoms of varicose veins and leg swelling for people with varicose veins in the early stages. To effectively treat the disease, it is necessary to raise the legs above the level of the heart, keeping the legs in this position for at least 20 minutes 3 - 4 times a day;
- Massage: A method that helps support blood circulation, especially in the legs - where varicose veins are present. The technique of varicose massage is to do it gently, avoiding putting pressure on large veins. When massaging, you should use gentle whole-hand pressure or use pressure from your fingertips to massage from the heel to the individual eye. If you feel pain or discomfort, you should stop massaging and elevate your legs;
- Physical activity: For people with varicose veins, especially in the early stages, physical activity is an effective treatment support measure. However, patients should be careful not to choose exercises that put a lot of pressure on their legs. They should not jog because it can make varicose veins worse. Exercises that help increase blood circulation and are effective in treating diseases are walking, stretching, yoga or ankle rotation,...;
- Lifestyle changes: Avoid standing or sitting for too long, especially for people with office jobs. It is best for patients to change positions more often to avoid clogging blood flow. They should stand up and do short stretching exercises, etc. At the same time, people with varicose veins need to avoid Wear high heels for a long time because wearing high heels increases calf muscle contractions, forcing blood into the veins, aggravating blood stasis in the lower limbs.
Practicing leg raises helps treat the disease
2.2 Adjust your diet
- Changing your diet to a scientific and healthy one is a good solution to health problems, especially varicose veins. Some advice for patients with varicose veins is:
- Increase your consumption of foods rich in vitamins C and E as they help stimulate collagen and elastin production, keeping veins stronger and less prone to dilation;
- You should add fiber-rich foods such as beans, nuts, oats, flaxseeds, wheat, cereals, etc. to your diet because they can prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the veins. ;
- You should eat cabbage because this food is rich in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus,... and fiber, which helps destroy fermentants in the blood and pain relief;
- Eat a lot of foods containing flavonoids such as onions, spinach, broccoli, cocoa, garlic, citrus fruits, grapes, cherries, apples, etc. because they help reduce arterial pressure and improve health. varicose veins, shrinking varicose veins;
- Increase the intake of potassium-rich foods such as almonds, beans, potatoes, vegetables, salmon, tuna, etc. because they can help improve varicose veins in the legs by reducing water retention. in the body;
- Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water to drink because apple cider vinegar has the ability to improve blood circulation and reduce swollen veins.
Adjusting your diet helps reduce varicose veins
2.3 Use stockings to prevent varicose veins
Varicose veins stockings (varicose medical stockings) are tighter than regular stockings, helping to improve the condition of varicose veins in the legs by creating appropriate pressure on the legs to prevent the veins from dilating further. . At the same time, elastic socks also support muscles and veins in directing blood circulation to the heart.
Research has shown that socks can reduce or prevent evening leg swelling. People who often have to stand, walk or sit in one place for long periods of time should wear medical stockings to reduce swelling and discomfort in their feet.
2.4 Other measures
- Being overweight increases the risk of varicose veins, so it is necessary to maintain an ideal weight to reduce pressure on the veins, reduce swelling, pain and discomfort for the patient;
- Choose to wear loose, comfortable clothes instead of tight clothes because tight clothes will affect the body's blood circulation;
- Apply olive oil to varicose veins to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. If you mix olive oil with vitamin E it will give better results;
- Press garlic and mix it with olive oil and apply it to the affected area to reduce inflammation, detoxify the blood, help blood circulate more easily, and treat varicose veins quickly and effectively;
- Apply chamomile oil along with coconut oil on your legs before bed to relieve vein pain;
- Chop some parsley, add it to a cup of water, boil for about 5-7 minutes and then let cool. Next, add a little essential oil, apply it to the area with varicose veins, do it twice a day until it heals;
- Take 3 aloe vera leaves, 1 carrot and 1⁄2 cup of apple cider vinegar, puree and mix all ingredients well, then apply to the area with varicose veins, leave for about 30 minutes and then rinse.
Olive oil helps treat varicose veins in the legs
In addition, in cases of large varicose veins, in addition to performing home treatment measures, it may be necessary to combine laser ablation treatment or surgery as prescribed by your doctor.
Varicose veins greatly affect the patient's aesthetics and quality of life. Therefore, patients should apply home remedies for varicose veins in the legs, combined with treatment as advised by a doctor to better control the disease.