Homemade treatments for varicose veins: what are they? Do they work?

Varicose veins are dilated and tortuous superficial veins, which are more common in the lower limbs. And they occur due to problems with blood circulation. Currently, there are options to treat this condition, and there are also homemade treatments for varicose veins.

But do they really work?

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Home treatments for varicose veins work?

According to the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, it is estimated that varicose veins affect about 38% of Brazilians, 30% of men and 45% of women. And most cases are associated with the genetic factor, that is, people who have a family member with varicose veins are more likely to develop them.

In addition to the aesthetic issue, varicose veins cause quite uncomfortable symptoms such as a burning or throbbing sensation in the legs, pain, muscle cramps, swelling of the feet and ankles and dry or itchy skin.

It is important to seek medical help if the discomfort is severe or disrupts the routine. However, some home treatments can lessen the problem.

Below, see details of what can be done to treat varicose veins at home.

Wear understanding socks

Compression stockings are available at most pharmacies and can help control the symptoms of varicose veins, as it puts pressure on your legs.

This helps the muscles and veins to move blood towards the heart and decrease swelling.

Massages

Massages can contribute to improved circulation.

Gently massaging the areas affected by varicose veins can help to keep the blood circulating in the veins. It is important to use mild massage oils or moisturizers to facilitate and have more effect.

Upward movements must be made, that is, movements that start at the ankle towards the thigh.

It is worth noting that it is essential to avoid direct pressure on the veins, as this attitude damages tissues that are already fragile.

Aloe

Using aloe vera (Aloe vera) can be effective in treating varicose veins. Generally, a paste is prepared with the heated aloe leaf and applied to the legs in a compressed form on the affected area.

Plant extracts

Horse chestnut extract can also reduce leg pain caused by varicose veins. It can be found in health food stores.

Changes in food

Consuming foods rich in sodium (excess salt) can cause the body to retain water and this worsens varicose veins. The ideal is to include foods rich in potassium, since the mineral reduces water retention in the body. It is worth adding in the diet lentils, beans , leafy vegetables and some fish, such as salmon and tuna.

Applying ice

Placing an ice pack directly on the varicose veins or using cold water on the legs helps to relieve symptoms of varicose veins such as swelling. This is because the blood flow in the application area decreases with the cold.

Carqueja tea

The gorse has an effect on the tone of the veins and arteries. And because it has flavonoids it contains anti-inflammatory action, helping to reduce the problem. So it is worth drinking the gorse tea more often.

Varicose vein creams: do they work?

It depends. The creams indicated for varicose veins, in most cases, are not effective in the definitive treatment of the problem. However, they can provide relief from symptoms like swelling and pain. Therefore, they can be used as complementary treatments to combat varicose veins.

There are several types of creams available on the market to treat the symptoms of varicose veins. But, the ideal is to seek medical help and start using a specific cream.

These creams are usually made up of ingredients such as camphor, mint, horse chestnut and marigold. This formulation, which can be manipulated in pharmacies, stimulates circulation, improves skin elasticity, reduces swelling and increases the resistance of blood vessels.

These creams, in most cases, are used with massage techniques. However, there is no scientific evidence that they have any effect in isolation.

Anyone who has varicose veins in the lower limbs should hydrate the skin a lot. Creams can help prevent skin from becoming too dry and causing injuries.

In addition, there are creams that work as makeup and are used to disguise or cover these vases for the person to go to a party, for example. But, they leave right after the shower.

It is worth mentioning that it is not recommended to use any medication, either by mouth or creams without a medical prescription.

Does laser pen for varicose veins work?

An option that draws the attention of those who have varicose veins is the treatment with a laser pen. However, there is no scientific evidence that they are effective or can be used by everyone with the problem.

It is important to be very careful with miraculous promises, which guarantee to end varicose veins in a few days. The ideal is to seek help from a specialist and know what are the treatment options to eliminate varicose veins or at least decrease your symptoms.

Varicose veins in the legs: how to treat?

The specific treatment of varicose veins depends on the vein to be treated and the severity. In addition to the physical evaluation, the doctor may also want to have an ultrasound to check blood flow. This test allows you to see how blood is flowing in your veins.

The specialists who can diagnose and monitor varicose veins are the angiologist and the vascular surgeon.

See details below:

Surgeries

Varicose veins that are very prominent and visible, which elevate the skin and veins in a tortuous or rectilinear path are surgical treatment that requires anesthesia. During the procedure, cuts are made on the skin and the vein is removed through incisions. The surgical procedure is quick, the hospitalization time is short and the recovery at home can take a few weeks.

Minimally invasive options

The doctor can opt for minimally invasive treatments to treat varicose veins, that is, they are simple and can be performed in a doctor’s office. Among them are:

Sclerotherapy

Injection with a glucose-based medicine into the vein to eliminate small and medium-sized varicose veins. Several sessions may be necessary to decrease the symptoms. Within a few weeks, the treated varicose veins should disappear.

Laser surgery

Light energy is used to block a vein. Laser treatment works by sending strong bursts of light into the vein, which causes the vein to slowly disappear. There are no cuts or needles.

Intravenous ablation therapy

Heat waves and radiofrequency are used to block a vein.

Endoscopic vein surgery

A small incision is made in the skin to treat varicose veins.

People who cannot do any of the aforementioned treatments can use medications, raise their lower limbs and also use compression stockings more often.

In addition, doctors can indicate changes in lifestyle to relieve symptoms and prevent varicose veins. Among the changes, it is necessary to avoid standing for long periods, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising to improve your circulation.

However, it is important to emphasize that, as it is a chronic and mainly hereditary disease, the disease does not have a definitive cure. The treatments aim only at controlling the problem, improving the quality of circulation and the aesthetic appearance of the legs.

Even after treatment, it may happen that new varicose veins appear over the years in other places or even in the same position, which may give the impression that they are the same varicose veins that have returned.

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