Swollen veins can be painful and unsightly. The swelling is due to various factors, although it usually occurs in the case of obstruction or poor circulation. Varicose veins and thrombophlebitis (venous thrombus) are among the most common causes. You have probably noticed that the veins swell near the skin surface and cause a painful sensation. In most cases it is possible to remedy it directly at home. Make sure you intervene right away, otherwise the situation will get worse.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Finding Relief Now
Step 1. Put on graduated compression stockings to find relief
These are well-fitting socks that improve circulation by putting pressure on the legs. Some can be bought without a prescription, while for more specific models you need to go to a specialist.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding when and for how long you should wear compression stockings. Be sure to check the condition of your skin under your socks several times a day. Older age, diabetes, nerve damage, and other ailments can put an individual at greater risk for skin damage associated with skin infections and blood pressure problems. The socks should be the appropriate size for the person using them and not too tight.
- Compression stockings. They are simple snug stockings and exert minimal pressure on the entire leg (not a particular area). They are fine for mild swelling.
- Graduated compression stockings that do not require a prescription. They are sold in pharmacies and offer more targeted pressure. The packaging should indicate that they are graduated.
- A doctor can prescribe specific compression stockings, which guarantee maximum pressure. They can be targeted for different parts of the legs, in order to intervene on the areas that require it most. Wear them following the instructions given to you. Do not stop using it without first consulting your doctor.
Step 2. Raise your legs
To promote circulation from the legs to the heart, lie down and raise your legs above the level of the heart. Stay in this position for at least 15 minutes; repeat 3-4 times a day.
- If you lie down on the bed, put pillows under your legs. If you lie down on the sofa, you can put pillows on a chair and place it in front of you. If you are using a recliner, adjust it until your legs are above heart level.
- Do not lift your legs more than 6 times a day - remember that this procedure puts a lot of pressure on the venous walls.
Step 3. Fight the swelling with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They provide relief by blocking the release of prostaglandins, which are responsible for enlargement and pain. It is important to take them on a full stomach to avoid stomach pain and hyperacidity.
- Don't start taking them without first checking with your doctor. He can recommend the right doses to help you find relief, without overdoing it. Taking them for more than 2 weeks can cause side effects such as stomach or intestinal ulcers.
- Some of the more common NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen.
Step 4. Consider other medicines
If you have thrombophlebitis, your doctor may prescribe medications to thin your blood or dissolve blood clots. As they are sold by prescription, you need to talk to a specialist to see if they are right for you.
- Medicines that thin the blood prevent blood clots and improve circulation. Some of the most common are heparin, fondaparinux, warfarin, and rivaroxaban.
- Drugs that dissolve blood clots act on existing ones. They are usually prescribed for more severe cases. One of the most commonly used medicines is the Alteplase, which dissolves the thrombus already formed.
Step 5. Fight the swelling with natural remedies
If for one reason or another you can't take NSAIDs, consider natural solutions. But first talk to your doctor to make sure your doses are correct and to avoid complications.
- Licorice root extract can be used orally or topically. Make sure you dilute it properly. It should be avoided in case of cardiovascular disease, hormone-sensitive tumors (breast, ovary, uterus or prostate), high blood pressure, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, low potassium, erectile dysfunction, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Before using a method that uses compression, such as compresses or stockings, apply calendula to the affected area.
- Epsom salts can also relieve swelling. Pour 1-2 cups into the bathtub and let them melt before soaking. You don't have to use them for washing - just sit back and relax. Take at least one bath a week, or an Epsom salt foot bath every day.
Part 2 of 4: Stretching to Promote Circulation
Step 1. If you have been sitting for a long time, do some stretching
If you work at your desk, travel by car / plane, or spend a good portion of the day sitting indoors, stretch several times a day. A sedentary lifestyle can cause the veins to swell, as it decreases circulation. You can try different exercises, even while sitting.
- While sitting, stretch your legs out in front of you under the desk, touching the floor only with your heels.
- Bend your toes pointing towards you and hold the position for 30 seconds. You should feel tension in the calves, but never pain.
- Point your feet outward and hold the position for 30 seconds. You will feel tension in the front of the leg, but make sure it is not painful.
Step 2. Stretch your chest a couple of times a day
You don't have to iron only your legs. This exercise is useful for the chest muscles, it also strengthens the back muscles and fights bad posture. In fact, even a correct posture promotes circulation.
Sit straight. Imagine that the chest is pulled up by some threads attached to the ceiling. Interlace your fingers and turn your palms up. Lift your chin, tilt your head back and look at the ceiling. Inhale deeply in this position, exhale and relax
Step 3. Take advantage of all the breaks
Whether you are sitting in front of your desk or driving, take every opportunity that presents itself to get up. If you don't have any, take some time specifically to take a break.
- While you're in the car, take advantage of the stopovers, bathroom stops or viewpoints to get up and do some stretching. You don't have to stop just to fill up or go to the bathroom - stop when you feel like it. Even standing up for a few minutes can benefit the leg veins.
- When you're at work, look for an excuse to get up later in the day. Instead of sending an email, walk over to the desk or office of the person you want to talk to. On your lunch break, go eat somewhere instead of sitting at your desk.
- It can be very difficult in flight, but if the journey is long try to get up and walk to the back of the plane. Go to the bathroom too.
Part 3 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of swollen veins
Since you suffer from it, you probably already know a lot of symptoms. If you do accuse them, you should go to a doctor and start treatment. The sooner you intervene, the sooner you will find relief. These symptoms occur only in the enlarged areas.
- Some of the most common symptoms include a feeling of swelling, heaviness and soreness in the legs, slight swelling of the feet or ankles, and itching. You will also likely notice obvious enlargement of the veins, particularly on the legs.
- More serious symptoms include swelling and pain in the legs or calves after standing or sitting for a long time, skin changes in the leg or ankle area, dryness, irritation and peeling of the skin (skin splits easily), skin sores that do not heal easily, thickening and hardening of the skin of the legs / ankles.
Step 2. Avoid standing for long periods
This strains your legs, so you risk pain and poor circulation. Try to take a break and sit down regularly.
Don't cross your legs when you sit down. If possible, keep them raised to promote circulation. When you lie down, raise them to heart level to combat swelling
Step 3. Don't sit cross-legged at knee level
In this position you will hamper circulation and the veins in the lower body will dilate (because venous drainage to the heart will be restricted).
Step 4. Exercise
Look for workouts that stimulate the leg muscles. This will cause the blood to flow back to the heart and into the rest of the body, putting less pressure on the leg veins.
Exercises such as walking, jogging and swimming are recommended for those suffering from this problem. The latter is particularly effective because it keeps the body horizontally, so it is more difficult for blood to accumulate in the legs and cause the veins to swell
Step 5. Lose weight
If you have extra pounds, you should try to lose weight to treat swollen veins. In an overweight person, more pressure is exerted on the lower body, including the legs and feet. This can cause more blood to flow to the area, thus swelling of the veins.
- To lose weight healthily, check your diet. Limit your portions and strive for a good balance. Choose lean proteins, skim dairy products, whole grains, fiber, healthy oils, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid candy, fried, processed, trans-fat, or hydrogenated foods.
- Talk to a nutritionist to evaluate your weight loss goals. It will tell you if they are realistic or manageable and will guide you better to achieve them. It will also help you prepare a meal plan based on the medications you take.
Step 6. Stop smoking
In addition to being generally harmful, smoking can also increase the pressure in the veins. Some substances adversely affect blood vessels, including venous walls. Better to stop, so that the veins do not dilate too much and do not swell.
Part 4 of 4: Surgical Treatments
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about sclerotherapy
It is a relatively painless procedure that involves injecting a chemical or saline solution into the veins to induce fibrous obliteration. It is effective for smaller varicose or spider veins. It may take several sessions, to be done every 4-6 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the legs will be bandaged with an elastic band to reduce swelling.
There is also a treatment called microsclerotherapy, which is specific for spider veins. It consists of using a very fine needle to inject a liquid chemical into the veins
Step 2. Consider laser, a procedure generally used only for small varicose veins
The laser is applied to the skin located in the enlarged vein area. It generates such energy as to heat the venous tissue, destroying all the blood elements in the vicinity. Subsequently, the enlarged vein is blocked and closed. The body will reabsorb it after some time.
Step 3. Learn about venous ablation
It consists of treating the veins with intense heat and can be performed with radiofrequency or laser. The doctor will puncture the vein, insert a catheter up to the groin and apply heat to it. The heat will close and destroy the vein, which will disappear over time.
Step 4. Learn about outpatient phlebectomy
It is a surgical procedure that involves making tiny skin incisions to remove small veins. To remove them from the leg, the doctor will use a special hook. It is an effective treatment for cobweb or small veins.
- In normal cases, it's an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia, so you'll stay awake during the procedure. You may see slight bruises.
- Phlebectomy can be performed in conjunction with other procedures, including ablation. Your surgeon will know if it is appropriate to combine it with other treatments.
Step 5. Learn about venous stripping
It is an invasive procedure usually performed in cases of more severe varicose veins. After the anesthesia, the surgeon will make small skin incisions to remove the veins from the leg. You should see full recovery within 1-4 weeks.
Although removing the veins, this operation does not affect circulation at all, which will remain in charge of other veins located deeper in the legs
Advice
- Don't feel embarrassed when you stretch in public, for example on the plane or in the office. In the long run it will give you so many benefits that it is absolutely worth it.
- When you stretch, don't get to the point of pain. These exercises generally give a mild feeling of discomfort that becomes tolerable and pleasant once you get used to it.
Warnings
- Varicose veins are a common type of swelling and some people are more likely to suffer from them. Here are some risk factors: aging, being female, having defective valves from birth, obesity, pregnancy, having had blood clots in the past or cases of varicose veins in the family.
- In the event of a blood clot, these can travel to the lungs, causing severe pulmonary embolism. It is a rare phenomenon, but you should discuss it with your doctor.
