Varicose veins can be an uncomfortable nuisance. Living with venous insufficiency or varicose veins you often experience a decrease in your normally active lifestyle due to pain. These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms that make your legs the new unwanted focus.
Symptoms may include but are not limited to:
- Visible veins that become dark reddish purple-blue in color and they can become raised or twisted
- Redness
- Swelling (edema)
- Legs may ache
- Legs may feel heavy
- Legs may become painful
- Itching
- Ulcers may develop
- Restless Leg Syndrome
Home recommendations: One of the most commonly used home remedies that have been shown to decrease the severity of symptoms is the use of compression.
How it works:
Compression assists the body by reinforcing the vein walls. This is very helpful with veins that are weakened or damaged wall. Proper pressure can be achieved by utilizing compression bandages as a wrap, compression socks (which only cover the bottom half of the leg) or compression hose which will encompass the entire length of the leg.
Compression wear such as hosiery has been shown to help improve blood flow as well as reduce swelling. They may also help reduce the formation of blood clots. Compression garments should only be worn while you are up and mobile, usually in 8 hour time periods. Be very careful lounging around in them or laying down at night as too much compression can actually be harmful as it may cut off circulation further.
Compression hose and socks should fit snuggly but comfortably. They are made in a variety of compressions from mild to tight. The higher the number, the firmer the fit. If you feel like you are starting to lose circulation remove them.
At Tampa Cardiovascular Associates Vein Clinic they often recommend patients try compression as an at home addition to other treatments offered.
Want to learn more? They would love to talk with you and see how they can help benefit your vein health. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area give them a call at (813) 975-2800 or visitwww.tampacardio.com online to learn more about the practice and their physicians.