Although massage can provide relief from aches and pains, it isn't a miracle cure for varicose veins. In fact, it can only provide temporary symptomatic relief and it will not make the veins any less visible, get rid of them or prevent new varicose veins from forming.
Varicose Veins and Massages
While massage may seem to alleviate these symptoms at first, this type of relief is only temporary. Massage does not address the root cause of your vein pain and discomfort—and for some individuals, massage is considered dangerous and should never be used.
Circulatory technique should include short (three-inch-long) effleurage strokes to move the blood from valve to valve in the vein, and longer strokes to increase flow throughout the length of the vein.
Myth 4: Massage can cure varicose veins.
“Massage may help reduce swelling or discomfort, but will not make varicose veins go away,” says Dr. Boyle.
Standing or sitting for long periods of time
Staying in one position for an extended time forces your veins to work harder, which can place you at risk.
Laser treatments: Dermatologists use lasers to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. During laser treatment, your dermatologist directs the laser light at the vein. Laser light can destroy the vein without damaging your skin. Small spider veins may disappear immediately after treatment.
Aloe vera gel can help improve circulation in the legs and reduce swelling associated with varicose veins. Apply a few drops of 100% aloe vera gel to clean, dry skin using a cotton ball or cloth. Repeat this process once daily for 4-6 weeks.
At best, massaging the leg area around the affected veins will only make them feel better temporarily — it is not a medical or cosmetic treatment. In fact, massage therapy could actually end up worsening your varicose veins, spider veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Massaging the area can cause the already weakened veins to burst, worsening the condition. Massage therapy is also not safe for patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it could dislodge a clot and cause it to travel. Massage therapy on the wrong patient can be dangerous.
Exercising regularly, losing weight, avoiding long periods of sitting and standing, and not wearing tight clothes can all help. In some cases, wearing compression stockings can be useful, too. These stockings steadily squeeze your legs. That helps the blood move more effectively through the veins.
While exercise won't cure varicose veins, it can help improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of developing more. Walking, biking and swimming are all great low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints and help circulation in varicose veins.
Sleeping on your left side
This might be a tough one for some people, but sleeping on your left side is actually the best way to sleep if you have varicose veins.
Varicose and spider veins do not just go away on their own, but they can sometimes become less visible. You may also find that symptoms temporarily go away at times, particularly if you lose weight or increase physical activity. However, your vein symptoms will likely return over time.
Unfortunately, varicose veins do not generally go away on their own. The only instances where these veins disappear naturally are cases in which the condition is due to temporary, increased pressure on the abdomen.
Don't Forget Your Compression Socks
As well as reducing that risk, they also minimise the post-flight swelling that many people suffer from. Another thing you may want to consider packing is a travel leg elevation pillow. These are often inflatable, so they can easily fit inside your bag.
A person who has varicose veins along with swelling and discomfort of the legs, discoloration of the skin in the lower leg, or hardness and tenderness of the lower leg should have a thorough vascular evaluation to avoid progression to mental and physical health problems.
Avoid heat.
Hot tubbing and extra hot baths are a no no if you want to eliminate or prevent varicose or spider veins. Sitting in hot water for long periods of time actually causes your veins to swell. Keep your bath water at a lukewarm temperature or take showers, and avoid hot tubs altogether.
Pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties which could help if you are experiencing circulatory problems including varicose veins. Beetroot juice promotes dilation of the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the muscles. Regularly drinking beetroot juice can reduce high blood pressure.
It is possible that apple cider vinegar could have some mild astringent properties which could help to tone varicose veins when applied topically. However, it may take a little more work than this. Also, beware, if the skin around your damaged veins is broken or particularly weak, it will most likely nip quite a bit!
1: Do Drink Plenty of Water
In fact, sufficient water intake is one of the most simple and effective ways to keep your veins in good condition, especially if your veins are already prone to insufficiency. Water helps thin out your blood, so it flows more freely.
When the valves become weakened or damaged, blood can collect in the veins. This causes the veins to become enlarged. Sitting or standing for long periods can cause blood to pool in the leg veins, increasing the pressure within the veins. The veins can stretch from the increased pressure.
Topical arnica comes in cream (or gel ointment) that can be applied to the skin overlying inflamed or painful varicose veins. Topical Arnica should not be applied to open wounds or sores.