Varicose veins happen when vessels become thick, enlarged or have too many twists and turns. These vessels carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. With varicosities, this blood is not returned properly. Symptoms of varicosities include pain, itching and burning. Fortunately, measures can be taken to relieve varicosities and the resulting pain.
Natural Herbs and Formulas
The herb horse chestnut seed extract may help improve chronic venous insufficiency, which is a condition associated with varicosities. The herb may also improve swelling and discomfort associated with varicosities. Many have found circulation support supplements to be helpful as well. Improved circulation will combat painful swelling and enlargement in vessels. Before starting a natural formula, please consult a physician to ensure there are no interactions with other medications.
Lifestyle Modifications
There are many things one can do to help improve these enlarged vessels and the resulting pain. Thirty minute breaks throughout the day of rest and leg elevation are beneficial to circulation. Gravity will naturally send blood from the legs to the heart. Elevating legs above the level of the heart is most beneficial. Physical activity involving the legs will also improve circulation. Furthermore, try to avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. Blood just ends up pooling in the legs. Always take frequent breaks and move around.
Lose Weight
Starting a weight loss program if you are overweight is also beneficial. Excess weight puts pressure on vessels and makes it more difficult to pump blood back to the heart. Overweight people also carry more blood in their vessels, increasing the strain on them.
Procedures
Many procedures exist for severe cases of varicosities. Common procedures are laser therapy, sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation. Laser therapy closes off faulty vessels so that blood flow is redirected to healthier ones. Strong light bursts to vessels accomplish this task. Sclerotherapy involves injecting solution into vessels that will close them off. In radiofrequency ablation, heat is used to destroy faulty vessels. A probe is inserted into a vessel that heats the vessel over its entire length.
The best way to relieve the pain, itching and burning of varicosities or varicose veins is to improve the blood vessels themselves. Some people have found supplements improve swelling and circulation. Everyone with or at risk for varicosities should try to elevate their legs and avoid sitting and standing for long periods. Overweight people with varicosities should focus on weight loss to improve their condition. Wearing compression stockings can help blood flow back to the heart. If nothing else relieves varicosities and resulting pain well enough, a procedure to eliminate varicosities can be performed.
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