Varicose veins are mostly swollen, twisted veins that normally occur in the problem areas such as legs, ankles, and feet. Varicose veins are the result of venous insufficiency or venous reflux caused by poor blood circulation in the lower limbs, which does not correctly return to the heart rather stocks up in the swollen veins.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins though it is a mild form of venous insufficiency. Spider veins are small intertwined small blood vessels right under the skin surface that appears in colors red, blue or purple. This is commonly seen in the thighs, lower legs, and face.
Home Remedies for Varicose Veins or Spider Veins
- Don’t wear clothes that impede the flow of blood or constrict blood vessels in the problem areas such as the legs and thigh.
- Wear maternity support hosiery before you get out of bed in the morning.
- Allow the blood to circulate properly. Take proper precaution to stay away from sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time and break the habit of crossing your legs when you sit. Take a short walk to keep your cardiovascular system working smoothly. This is the best thing to do during pregnancy since it will help your heart stay healthy and your blood circulating.
- Elevate your legs when possible when you are at rest.
- Allow yourself to have time to rest so often since the growing uterus is adding pressure on the veins in your lower body. The flow of blood may cause the veins in your legs to swell, vulva, and rectum.
- When sleeping, always sleep on your left side since the largest vein in your body called vena cava brings a large amount of blood through your body. Lying on your left side is the best thing to do since the vena cava is located on the right side of the body and, thus, will lessen the pressure on the vein. Also, sleep with your feet elevated on a pillow.
- Maintain your weight at a minimum since excessive weight can increase the possibility of developing spider veins.
Treatment of Varicose and Spider Veins during Pregnancy
Men and women alike are prone to varicose and spider veins. But women are more prone to varicose and spider veins more particularly during their pregnancy. Varicose and spider veins are common manifestation during the pregnancy of women especially during their third trimester. Such manifestation becomes more prominent on each pregnancy and delivery of the child. This sickness is hereditary and, thus, you are more likely to experience the same come your time to become pregnant.
In pregnant women, varicose veins are caused by the pressing of the uterus against the large blood vessels in their abdomen and pelvis. The blood from your legs is carried back to your heart through the large blood vessels. The pressure causes the blood flowing more slowly and, thus, congestion results in the veins in your legs.
Varicose Veins Diet
- There is no definite assurance that one will be completely safe from having varicose veins. But there are preventive measures that may help people to avoid getting them. Some of these measures also target people who already have varicose veins but would want to prevent its further development.
- Improving the blood circulation and the muscle tone of an individual can help in reducing the risk of developing varicose veins or in worsening the situation. Following a healthy diet is also a big factor in its prevention or its worsening.
- A healthy diet includes a high-fiber and low-salt content and selection of foods. Fiber is great for the digestion and prevents the person to be constipated. Low-salt diet can help avoid water retention and swelling especially in the leg part. If one is overweight and has varicose veins, losing weight will help promote its improvement.
- Other than watching the diet, taking some alternative supplement is also encouraged. Dietary or herbal supplement such as horse chestnut seed helps improve the swelling and any discomfort that is caused by various veins. It helps correct the problem of blood circulation where there is difficulty in returning blood towards the heart.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
Varicose veins are not hard to identify and do not cause pain in most cases. It can be more of a cosmetic nuisance to people affected rather than an illness. Signs indicating varicose veins include:
- Achy and heavy feeling in the legs.
- An intensified pain after sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Bulging and twisted veins like cords appearing from under the skin, on the legs, thigh, feet, and even in other parts of the body including the groin and the ankles.
- Dark purple or blue colored veins.
- Itchiness around one or more veins.
- Muscle cramping in the legs during the night.
- Swelling, throbbing, and burning sensation in the lower legs.
- For more severe cases, skin ulcers may from near the ankle.
Varicose veins can also be first observed during menstruation or in pregnancy. It may be a bit bothersome during these times, but varicose veins in pregnant women usually improve three months after delivery without any medical treatment.
There are some people who may not experience any symptom at all except for the appearance of the dark-colored bulging veins, which is why they are just considered a cosmetic problem. But some can develop blood clot and inflammation of the vein or what is called thrombophlebitis. This condition needs immediate medical attention.