Anyone can suffer with varicose veins, although they are more common in women with up to 50% of women affected by these swollen veins. So just what are they? Simply, varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins.
Varicose veins develop when there is a problem with the valves in your veins. This causes the veins to appear swollen or enlarged. They usually occur on the legs and feet.
They may be blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance. The symptoms are usually worse if you've been standing up for long periods of time.
Other symptoms of varicose veins:
• aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
• swollen feet and ankles
• burning or throbbing in your legs
• muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night
• dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein
Factors that may increase pressure in the veins causing varicose veins
• Overweight
• Older age
• Being female
• Being inactive
• Leg injury
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Taking oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and do not usually require treatment. However, they can sometimes lead to complications, such as blood clots, bleeding, and skin ulcers.
So, it's important to speak to a GP if your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort, if the skin over your veins is sore and irritated, and if the aching in your legs is causing irritation at night and disturbing your sleep.
How to improve the appearance of varicose veins
Depending on your symptoms, risk factors and preferences, treatment for varicose veins falls into two main categories: lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and surgery.
If you want to know how to get rid of varicose veins yourself, then there’s a number of steps you can take to help.
Keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly are important ways to control the symptoms caused by varicose veins.
Other tips include putting your feet up while sitting, not crossing your legs while sitting and not wearing tight clothing.
There are also many products, including creams, supplements, and formulas, that are said to help get rid of varicose veins.
Medical treatment for varicose veins
Leg elevation - You may be instructed to elevate your feet above the level of your heart multiple times for 15 minutes. If you have mild to moderate varicose veins, elevating your legs can reduce leg swelling.
Compression stockings - These elastic stockings squeeze the veins. Compression stockings can be effective if they are worn every day.
Sclerotherapy - This is a common treatment for spider and varicose veins. A saline or chemical solution is injected into the varicose veins so these veins stop carrying blood.
Thermal ablation - Laser or radiofrequency energy can be used for varicose veins. They can be used to deliver heat that destroys the wall of the varicose vein.
Vein stripping - This is surgery to remove varicose veins.
Microphlebectomy - Special tools inserted through incisions are used to remove varicose veins.
Margaret Dabbs, founder of Margaret Dabbs London, is a specialist in effective treatments for feet, hands and legs.
She says, “Varicose veins are a common condition caused by venous insufficiency and so the best way to prevent them from getting worse and to relieve the symptoms associated with them is to encourage healthy blood flow through staying active, keeping legs elevated when you can.
“We recommend using our Fabulous Legrange which has been formulated with a blend of stimulating essential oils to promote circulation and venous decongestion.”
Using long upward strokes, starting from the ankles and working towards the thighs is the best technique when using creams for varicose veins. This will stimulate circulation and help to reduce any swelling in your veins.
The best products to reduce varicose veins
We’ve also rounded up a selection of products that may help you get rid of varicose veins.
These products are said to reduce the appearance of varicose veins and help with reducing the symptoms.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
This Cherioll cream from Amazon is well rated as a great way to get rid of varicose veins. Available for £18.99, the cream can help you overcome the discomfort and clogged appearance of varicose veins. The formula, which is suitable for all skin types, helps to reduce the occurrence of varicose and spider veins. The packaging says you need to massage it in for three minutes up to five times a day. It claims that results will be visible in one-to-two months. Review: u201cIt is easy to apply and smells good. I bought this cream because the veins on my legs are itchy. I used it before I went to bed and the problem disappeared completely. u201cI will continue to use it because I am happy to get rid of those itchy veins.u201d
www.hollandandbarrett.com
These tablets from Holland & Barrett are said to be helpful for those suffering with varicose veins. You can get 30 tablets for just £7.99 and itu2019s recommended that users take one capsule daily, preferably with a meal. The formula contains red vine leaf extract which contributes to good blood flow in the legs, while the vitamin C adds to the normal formation of collagen for the functioning of blood vessels. Helping to maintain healthy circulation in the legs, the tablets also contain grape seed extract. Review: u201cAfter suffering with spider veins for years and being really embarrassed, I was looking for anything that could help. u201cI felt so self conscious, it was awful. When I found these vein and leg capsules, I was skeptical at first. I even tried to cancel my order as I thought, 'What's the point, they wonu2019t do anything?' u201cAnyway Iu2019m absolutely amazed by the difference it has made. My god, what a difference. If I could upload photos I would.u201d
www.superdrug.com
Wonder Legs are also tablets that are said to help maintain a normal vein and blood vessel function to help avoid the feeling of tired legs. If youu2019re looking for help on how to get rid of varicose veins, then the Wonder Legs brand is a great brand to start with. The unique nutrient combination, which is manufactured in Sweden, helps avoid the feeling of tired legs after prolonged standing or sitting. The formula contains a herbal combination of high strength french maritime pine bark, red vine leaf extract, black pepper and vitamin C.
www.lookfantastic.com
The Lucky Legs cooling gel from Mama Mio is designed to soothe and cool tired, heavy legs - so itu2019s perfect for those suffering with pain and irritation from varicose veins. The cooling energising leg gel is also particularly a must for any mum-to-be. Itu2019s free from silicones, parabens and allergens; while it uses 100% natural fragrances. The botanical blend harnesses the power of nature to reduce puffiness in legs, feet and ankles. The formula contains Aloe Vera and Shea Butter to soothe, calm and moisturise, while Menthol Crystals help to refresh irritated skin. Thereu2019s also Vitamin E with antioxidant power, fighting against inflammation and it boosts an Omega rich skin stretch complex. The blend also includes peppermint oil which gives the cream an invigorating scent which soothes the mind as well as the body. Review: u201cI got this to try as at 16 weeks Iu2019m suffering from a lot of leg pain due to varicose veins and I work standing all day. This stuff is amazing. u201cYou get instant cooling relief and it stops any aches and itching for me before bed when I use it. Definitely would recommend it!u201d