Varicose Veins

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Large, swollen, and bulging veins with blue or purple discoloration are the prominent signs of varicose veins and they usually appear on the calves. However, the entire leg including the groin, thighs, and ankles is susceptible to varicose veins. In some cases, people with varicose veins do not experience any discomfort from the condition.
Some of the common symptoms that are associated with varicose veins are twisted and bulging veins, pain and heaviness in the legs particularly after standing, burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in the calves, itchiness around the affected area, creeping sensation across the skin, nighttime leg cramps, and skin lesions near the ankle, which represent a severe form of vascular disease and require instant medical attention. The legs may also become swollen, sore, and painful as the condition progresses.

Preventing Varicose Veins: There is no way to entirely prevent the formation of varicose veins. However, improving circulation and muscle tone can certainly reduce the chances of developing varicose veins. Some suggestions are given below that can help to relieve symptoms, slow the progression of varicose veins, and prevent complications such as sores or bleeding. They are particularly helpful if you have a family history of varicose veins.
	Maintain a healthy weight. Consume a balanced and nutritional diet and avoid fatty and fried foods. The inclusion of high fiber foods in meals may reduce the risk of swelling.
	Stay physically active because physical fitness facilitates blood circulation. Practice regular walking, jogging, bicycling, or swimming.
	Elevate your legs whenever possible because it will ease the blood flow to the heart. You may rest your legs on a chair or on a pile of two to three pillows while lying on a floor or bed.
	Avoid standing or sitting for long hours. Also, change your positions at regular intervals to encourage blood flow. Take a break and walk or stand while in the office or at home.
	Avoid keeping your legs crossed at all times because this position hinders circulation.
	Be conscious of what you wear. Avoid wearing shoes with high heels. Low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more and this is much better for the veins. Also, wear comfortable clothes because tight-fitting clothes impede blood circulation.

Natural Cures

Most treatments for varicose veins are aimed towards alleviating the painful symptoms of the condition. Anti-inflammatory medications, sclerotherapy (a procedure used to treat blood vessel malformations or vascular malformations), and surgical intervention are the preferred treatment options for varicose veins. In addition to these unnatural treatments, here are a few alternative treatments that can be used to cure varicose veins:

Herbal remedies

Several herbs can be used to provide relief from painful varicose veins and help to reduce the swelling. The application of a cold compress soaked with witch hazel and other essential oils to the legs can help to soothe varicose veins. Take one half of a cup of witch hazel lotion and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Then add six drops of essential oil of cypress, one drop of essential oil of lemon, and one drop of essential oil of bergamot to the witch hazel lotion. These oils and cold witch hazel are believed to have an astringent effect, so they help to shrink small blood vessels near the surface of the skin and temporarily reduce minor swelling. Prepare a compress by soaking a soft washcloth in the witch hazel and essential oils solution. Apply this compress on the affected area for at least 15 minutes. Elevate the feet on a few pillows while applying the compress to help regulate the blood circulation.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is often praised as the miracle cure because it can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Not surprisingly, it can be used to alleviate some of the most painful symptoms of varicose veins. Here are a few suggestions:

	Saturate cheesecloth in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected areas for 30 minutes.
	Rub apple cider vinegar on the protruding veins in a gentle circular motion. Follow up by drinking a glass of warm water mixed with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
	Mix three tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one pint of warm water. Drink this concoction each day to obtain relief from varicose veins.

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