The short answer is to a very limited extent. Varicose veins – a medical condition caused mostly by genetics but made worse by being overweight, pregnancy and standing jobs. So that if your family members have them, you are more likely to as well. Ageing also contributes to the onset of varicose veins because of wear and tear on the valves in the veins. Women may also suffer from pelvic varicose veins, which often go undiagnosed and may cause chronic pelvic pain, vulval and leg varicose veins.
Why you cannot cure varicose veins naturally
Once veins become varicose, they are no longer doing their job of sending blood back to the heart. Varicose veins will likely be seen on the surface as ropey looking or enlarged. They can cause discomfort, swelling, cramping and aching and many people are self-conscious of how they look. The medical term for leaking veins is ‘incompetent’ – they no longer work and won’t work again. This is why you cannot cure varicose veins naturally. During varicose vein treatment, these ‘incompetent’ veins are shut down and blood then reroutes via healthy veins. Treatment starts with an ultrasound scan to go beneath the surface and really find out what’s going on. Once treated, varicose veins eventually fade, the lumpiness reduces and is absorbed by the body. This takes around three to six months. Ultrasound goes beneath the surface to find out what’s going on.
What you can do to reduce symptoms
Wearing compression stockings, if you have varicose veins, is the best thing you can do for relief. These stockings help keep blood flowing. Medical-grade compression stockings are designed specifically to alleviate symptoms. And having the right fit is essential, too tight and they will be unbearable and too loose and they won’t provide the right level of compression. Wear compression stockings for relief from varicose veins. Being overweight can put more pressure on your veins. So, maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce this pressure and so make you more comfortable. If you stand for long periods throughout the day, this can inhibit blood flow and make your varicose veins more painful. Consider wearing compression stockings at work. Regular exercise is crucial in promoting good circulation. Exercise helps improve the strength and function of the calf muscles, which act as pumps to push blood back to the heart. Activities such as walking, swimming, cycling and yoga are particularly good. With legs swollen and puffy at night, elevate them above your heart to improve blood flow.
Natural remedies may help symptoms but won’t cure varicose veins naturally
There are some creams, like Dermaka skin cream, that may help reduce the signs of bruising or staining. Often used after varicose vein medical treatment. They won’t help relieve the common symptoms of varicose veins and you cannot cure varicose veins naturally. Some herbal remedies include horse chestnut extract. This herb may help reduce leg pain, swelling and itching associated with varicose veins but again, it won’t get rid of varicose veins. Similarly witch hazel applied topically may help soothe tired and aching legs caused by varicose veins but they won’t cure them. Any herbs with anti-inflammatory properties might provide some relief.
