It’s nice to have options - especially when it comes to health care. If you’ve been struggling with any of the symptoms of a vein condition: swollen legs, ankles or feet, numbness, cramping, or skin discoloration in the legs and ankles, you may be tempted to try remedies on your own before scheduling treatments. When practical alternatives are available, it’s important to know what works and what is just a myth. I’ve listened to hundreds of patients over the years, heard about things they’ve tried, and am offering my opinion on the choices that are out there.
In that exploration, it’s important to remember the root cause. A vein condition is caused by venous insufficiency, or vein reflux. It occurs when the vein wall stretches out which then causes the valves in the walls of your leg veins malfunction. These valves become weakened and lose their ability to close completely, limiting the flow of blood as it circulates back to your heart. The result is that blood pools in your legs, and this pooling causes the symptoms you experience. It is a condition that will worsen over time.
It’s important to understand that there is a significant difference between actually treating the root of the problem, vein reflux, and simply making the visible evidence of it disappear. Vein treatments by a specialist in vein care is the most certain way to treat the underlying condition. However, options are available for anyone who might want to minimize symptoms or simply improve the look of their legs. That’s why I’ve compiled this analysis of the ways my patients have attempted to treat themselves over the years with variable success.
The following are items that I’ve heard people report on that they have experienced some degrees of success on improving the symptoms. Make note, none of these will stop the progression of the condition from progressing, which is the natural course of this condition.
Use of compression stockings is the most reliable means to relieve symptoms. It does this by squeezing the vein walls together which makes the vein valves work better. The result: less reflux and stagnant blood. Most leg symptoms as well as general fatigue (the most common symptom we see) can be improved, but they need to be worn first thing in the morning until you go to bed at night. Getting the size right is important - too loose and they won’t help, too tight and they really hurt. Perhaps more important, if stockings help, this confirms the diagnosis of vein reflux so that you will know what is causing your symptoms.
Different creams touted as alleviating varicose veins can provide benefit based on their individual functionality, but it’s unlikely and, I believe, an unrealistic expectation that a cream will treat vein reflux. They may, however, provide temporary relief from the various symptoms you experience by soothing any itching, swelling, or pain. If you are having symptoms of itching or stinging pain over a cluster of visible veins, a topical agent with anti-itching, analgesic (pain relieving) or anti-inflammatory may provide relief. Most vein symptoms are due to problems below the skin level, and tropical agents do not penetrate more than a fraction of an inch.
Patients have shared various natural herbs and extracts that provide various forms of relief from the symptoms of vein reflux, mostly for pain and inflammation. Some examples include:
There are physical changes you can make that will help lessen the severity of symptoms and, when receiving vein treatment, aid in the recovery process. I highly recommend the following as important parts of a healthy lifestyle.
Nearly all these options above are safe to try, though I recommend a conversation with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first to make sure that any herbs, extracts, oils or supplements won’t interfere with medication you may be taking. It may be worth a try, to see if you can find relief from symptoms. Remember though, that relief is temporary and long lasting and more complete relief comes with vein treatments.