Varicose Veins Basics

Varicose veins are bluish, bulging, rope-like blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They occur when the walls of a vein weaken, which causes the vein to stretch and dilate (swell). The valves that keep blood moving in one direction in the vein can't work like they should. As a result, sluggish blood backs up or pools in the vein, which makes it look and feel swollen and bumpy under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins may be painful, and they can cause other serious complications, including leg ulcers, for more visit Center for Advanced Vein Care.

Mild cases of varicose veins don't need treatment by a doctor, but they can be relieved with basic at-home care and a variety of alternative remedies. Elevate your legs above your waist several times a day, particularly when sitting or standing for long periods of time. Avoid wearing tight clothing that can impact circulation. Get regular exercise, such as brisk walking, to improve circulation and tone your calf muscles, which help move blood through the veins.

If self-care measures are ineffective, a healthcare provider can diagnose varicose veins with a physical examination. They'll also ask about your symptoms, family history of varicose veins, and lifestyle factors that might contribute to the condition. Healthcare providers might also recommend a duplex ultrasound evaluation, which uses sound waves to produce pictures of the blood flow through your veins.

Nonsurgical treatments for varicose veins include compression therapy and vein stripping. Compression therapy involves special elastic stockings or bands that put pressure on the veins, which helps prevent swelling and discomfort. Varicose veins tend to get worse over time, so the goal of treatment is to stop them from getting bigger and more painful.

For more severe varicose veins, a healthcare provider might recommend surgically removing the affected veins. This is done under local anesthetic and can be performed in an outpatient setting. During the procedure, a healthcare provider will make a small incision in the skin above or below the affected vein. They'll then insert a narrow tube, called a catheter, into the damaged vein. The tip of the catheter has a device that emits radiofrequency energy that heats up the inside of the vein. The vein walls collapse, and blood is rerouted through nearby healthy veins.

In rare cases, surgery may be required to remove varicose veins that are very large or that have caused serious bleeding or clots. A procedure called ligation is used in this case, where the damaged vein and its valves are tied off. Afterward, blood will naturally be redirected through healthy veins.

A dietary approach can also reduce symptoms and prevent further damage to your veins. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber and nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Drink plenty of water to promote good circulation. Consider dietary supplements such as horse chestnut or grape seed extract. These can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements or new medications.