Varicose veins are a common medical condition that can affect anyone, but they are more prevalent in women. Varicose veins occur when the blood vessels in the legs become enlarged and twisted, making them visible beneath the skin surface.

This condition is not only unsightly but can also cause discomfort, pain or even lead to more severe complications if left untreated.

Summer is here, and if you are looking forward to flaunting in shorts, skirts or bathing suits, then it’s time to start taking care of your varicose veins.

This guide outlines some effective ways to treat varicose veins and have healthy legs for summer.

1. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes may not treat varicose veins, but they can help manage the condition and prevent the formation of new ones. Such changes include:.

Regular exercise: engage in low impact exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming, which help improve circulation
Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: when sitting, ensure your feet are elevated, and take breaks to stretch or move around. Alternatively, when standing, shift your weight from one leg to the other or take breaks to sit
Healthy diet: consume foods rich in fiber, low in salt and fat and avoid processed foods, which tend to increase inflammation and fluid retention
Weight management: avoiding obesity or maintaining a healthy weight, reduces the pressure on the legs

2. Compression Stockings

Compression stockings help minimize pain, discomfort, swelling and promote circulation in the legs. These stockings exert pressure to the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and reducing backflow of blood to the legs.

Compression stockings come in different sizes, styles, and compression levels.

It’s essential to get the right fit and compression level, which can range from light compression to extra firm compression. A healthcare professional can measure and suggest the best compression level and style for your condition.

Wear compression stockings throughout the day but take them off in the evening to let your legs rest.

3. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to close and reroute the blood to healthier veins.

Sclerotherapy is suitable for small varicose veins or spider veins and usually takes less than an hour to complete. There are different solutions used for sclerotherapy, with the most common one being a saline solution.

After the procedure, compression stockings are worn for a few days, and patients should avoid high-impact activities for a week. The procedure is generally safe but may have some side effects, including skin irritation, swelling, or discoloration.

4. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser technology to treat varicose veins. The procedure involves inserting a small catheter into the vein through a tiny incision and using laser energy to heat and collapse the vein.

The blood that used to flow through the vein is rerouted to healthier veins in the leg, and the collapsed vein is eventually reabsorbed by the body.

The procedure takes about an hour and may require local anesthesia. Compression stockings are worn after the procedure, and patients should avoid high-impact activities for a week.

EVLT has a higher success rate and fewer side effects than traditional vein-stripping surgery.

5. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses thermal (heat) energy to treat varicose veins. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into the vein through a small incision, and using radiofrequency energy to heat and close the vein.

The blood that used to flow through the vein is rerouted to healthier veins in the leg.

The procedure takes about an hour and may require local anesthesia. Compression stockings are worn after the procedure, and patients should avoid high-impact activities for a week.

RFA is also an effective treatment with a higher success rate and fewer side effects than traditional vein-stripping surgery.

6. Surgical Ligation and Stripping

Surgical ligation and stripping is a traditional surgical procedure used for treating large varicose veins. The procedure involves making small incisions near the vein, tying off the vein, and then removing it from the leg through tiny incisions.

The procedure may require general anesthesia, and patients should expect to spend a few weeks recovering. Compression stockings are worn after the procedure, and patients should avoid high-impact activities for a few weeks.

Surgical ligation and stripping is less likely to cause complications in the long term, but it does have a longer recovery time than other procedures.

7. Natural Remedies

Although there is no cure for varicose veins, some natural remedies can improve varicose veins’ appearance and alleviate discomfort. These natural remedies include:.

Essential oils: such as cypress oil, peppermint oil, and lemon oil, which help improve circulation and reduce swelling
Horse Chestnut: a herb that contains aescin, which can reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain
Ginkgo Biloba: a herb that helps reduce blood clotting, improve circulation and reduce inflammation
Apple cider vinegar: can help reduce varicose veins’ appearance and alleviate pain and discomfort when applied topically

Conclusion

Varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and insecurity, especially during summer. Fortunately, several treatment options are available that can help alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of varicose veins.

In addition to the treatments discussed, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and habits to manage the condition.

It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before choosing a treatment option as some procedures may not be suitable for everyone.

Effective treatment of varicose veins before summer can help you achieve healthy and beautiful legs in time for the season.