Have you ever noticed the veins under the skin of your arms, wrists or legs? How do they spread like a spider’s web?
Well, sometimes, these veins get twisted, enlarged and overfilled with blood. They are often painful and aching. These veins are called ‘Varicose Veins’.
Research shows that the varicose veins are superficial and deep in the lower region of our body. They usually appear on the skin of legs, because when we walk, we exert more pressure on the muscles of our legs. As a result, the veins in lower legs get swollen and raised. They appear bluish-red in color.
This condition is mostly a mild concern. But sometimes, it becomes really painful and uncomfortable. In rare cases, varicose veins lead to more serious problems.
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Here’s all you need to know about how varicose veins form in your body, and how you can get varicose veins pain relief at home in some simple ways.
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How Do You Get Varicose Veins in Your Body?
You must have a general idea of what veins actually do in our body. Veins are the vessels that gather all the blood from our body and take it to the heart so that it may get oxygenated. These vessels have only one-way valves, to make sure that the blood flows in one direction.
These valves stop functioning properly, when the walls of veins become less flexible and stretched. We can say that the valve has weakened.
A weakened valve can allow blood to flow backward and in the opposite direction. When this occurs, blood can accumulate in veins, which then become enlarged and swollen.
Your leg veins are the farthest from the heart, and it gets affected the most. This is because gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow back to the heart.
You must know of some other conditions that may lead to varicose veins. If your abdomen gets burdened in any way, varicose veins can appear e.g.
- When you are pregnant
- If you have got chronic constipation
- If you have tumors in the abdomen
How to Know If You Are at High-Risk for Varicose Veins?
There is no proven scientific research to show the exact reason for varicose veins formation. But there can be some potential risk factors that can cause varicose veins:
A Family History of Varicose Veins
In most of the cases, varicose veins run in the families. If you have got a family history of having varicose veins, you must look out for yourself.
Gender
Varicose veins affect females more often than males. The reason behind it can be the female hormones which tend to relax the veins. If you are taking birth control pills or getting hormone replacement therapy, you may be at a risk for varicose veins.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, you are at a highest risk of developing varicose veins in your body. That’s because you get much more blood in your body while pregnant. This blood puts extra pressure on the circulatory system. Moreover, the veins get relaxed due to the excessive hormones.
Both these factors raise the risk of varicose veins in a pregnant woman. Read more about the benefits of working out during pregnancy to keep yourself healthy and sane.
Age
With the increasing age, specifically when you get above 50, the risk of varicose veins increases. That’s because the veins get old and are prone to damage and pressure.
Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of varicose veins. More weight puts the veins under pressure and they get strained.
Job
If you are spending a lot of time at your workplace standing, you might get varicose veins due to the pressure on your leg muscles.
When to Worry About Varicose Veins?
In most cases, you won’t feel any pain from varicose veins, but the veins may look twisted, swollen, lumpy, or bulging. The color of these veins may be dark blue or purple.
In some cases, you can develop swelling and discoloration within the affected vein’s area. In severe cases, the veins can bleed, and ulcers can form.
The most common symptoms include;
- Aching legs
- A feeling of heavy legs, especially after exercise or during sleep time
- A minor injury to the affected area possibly resulting in longer bleeding than normal
- Fat under the skin can become hard, resulting in skin shrinking
- Swollen ankles
- Spider Veins in the affected leg
- A shiny skin discoloration near the varicose veins
- Leg cramps when suddenly standing up
When to See a Doctor?
There isn’t a proper treatment for varicose vein pain relief. The doctors usually recommend making some lifestyle changes. In extreme cases, when the pain is hard to bear, injections, laser therapy or even the vein surgery might be prescribed.
Varicose Vein Pain Relief – Home Remedies
You can reduce your chances of developing varicose veins by living an active and healthy lifestyle. In this way, you can get varicose vein pain relief and even prevent new varicose veins from forming in your body.
Some home remedies for varicose vein pain relief are;
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can help you with a lot of medical conditions. Drinking plenty of water will support good blood circulation throughout the body. It will help reduce the frequency and amount of pain that you endure from varicose veins.
Elevate Legs
Elevating your legs above your heart provides instant varicose vein pain relief. It helps the blood flow from your lower extremities back to the heart. It also helps the venous valves function more efficiently. For your overall well-being and physical health, cardio exercises are effective.
Stretching Exercises for Legs
You can get significant varicose vein pain relief, if you do a leg stretching workout 2-3 times during the day. Try flexing your feet as you are sitting. And if you stand for most of the day during work, make sure you take plenty of sitting breaks.
A Cold Shower
If your legs are in pain at the end of the day, have a cold shower. It will cause blood vessels to shrink. It will help alleviate swelling and the associated feeling of heaviness, as well as overall discomfort and leg cramps.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight, it can be the reason for getting varicose veins. Getting rid of those extra pounds may provide varicose vein pain relief, as it reduces the pressure on the veins.
A Comfortable Dress Code
If you have varicose veins, wearing high heeled shoes can often trigger pain. Choose to wear flat and comfortable shoes instead. Wearing tight clothing can also restrict blood flow, which can result in pain as well.
The Last Word!
Make certain changes in your lifestyle if your job is causing you varicose veins. If you are standing for longer periods of time, make sure to take breaks and give some relief to your legs. Maintain a healthy diet and weight. Do regular stretching exercises. These cautions can provide varicose vein pain relief.
