Swelling of the veins (varicose veins) can cause pain and interfere with appearance. Blood vessels can swell for a variety of reasons, although this most often occurs when something is blocking or blocking blood flow. Conditions that commonly cause swollen blood vessels are pregnancy, heredity, weight, age, and thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the blood vessels due to blood clots). You may notice enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin that are sometimes accompanied by pain. In most cases, you can relieve this swelling at home. Be sure to take immediate steps to deal with this condition because if left unchecked it has the potential to get worse.
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Method 1 of 4: Relieve Quickly
Step 1. Put on compression stockings
One way to relieve swelling in the veins is to wear compression stockings. These tight stockings will put pressure on the legs and help push the blood in the veins, reducing the diameter of the veins, as well as improving the flow. There are 2 types of compression stockings that you can buy without a prescription. You can also buy the strongest type of compression stockings after consulting your doctor first.
- Follow the instructions in the stocking package regarding the time and duration of its use. Be sure to check the condition of the skin under the layers of the stockings several times a day. Old age, diabetes, nerve damage, and other conditions can increase the risk of skin damage from long-term pressure, as well as infection. The size of the stockings must be adjusted to the person who wears it and not too tight.
- Support pantyhose. This product is basically tight stockings with the least pressure. This product can put pressure on the foot as a whole, not just a specific area, and is useful if the swelling isn't serious.
- Compression hose without a doctor's prescription. This product, which is sold in medical supply stores and pharmacies, can put pressure on the feet in a more directed manner. Look for products labeled gradient or graduated.
- Stockings according to the doctor's prescription. These stockings can put a lot of pressure on the leg and are directed to different parts according to your needs. Be sure to wear these stockings at the recommended frequency. If you are prescribed by a doctor, do not stop using stockings without consulting your doctor first.
Step 2. Elevate the legs
To increase blood flow from your legs back to your heart, lie down and elevate your feet above your heart for at least 15 minutes 3-4 times a day.
- Some convenient ways to elevate your legs include placing pillows under your feet while lying in bed, leaning your feet on the armrests or cushions while lying on the sofa, or leaning back in a lounge chair that can elevate your legs above your heart.
- Do not elevate the leg more than 6 times a day because it makes the pressure on the vein walls increase too much.
Step 3. Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce swelling of the blood vessels. This drug can relieve pain by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins that cause swelling and pain. You should take this medication after meals to prevent stomach upset and acid reflux.
- Do not use NSAIDs without consulting your doctor first. The doctor will recommend the right dose to relieve pain, but not too much. The use of NSAIDs for more than 2 weeks can cause side effects in the form of stomach ulcers or intestinal ulcers.
- Commonly used NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (commercially sold under the brand names Advil or Nuprin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT).
Step 4. Consider other drugs
If you have thrombophlebitis, you may need to take blood thinners or clot dissolving medications. This medication must be purchased by prescription, so talk to your doctor first to determine the best option for you.
- Blood-thinning medications will prevent blood clots, thereby improving blood flow in the veins. Commonly used blood-thinning medications include heparin or fondaparinux (sold under the brand name Arixtra), warfarin (Coumadin) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
- Clot dissolving medications will treat existing clots, and are usually used in more severe and serious cases. These medications include alteplase (Activase) which is able to dissolve blood clots that are already in your veins.
Step 5. Use natural remedies to reduce swelling
If you feel uncomfortable, or can't take NSAIDs, consider using natural remedies to reduce swelling. You should also consult this treatment with your doctor first, make sure the dose is correct, and does not interact with other medications you may be taking.
- Licorice root extract can be used both externally and internally. Be sure to use a properly diluted product. Avoid using licorice root if you have heart disease, hormone sensitive cancers (breast, uterine, or prostate cancer), high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, low potassium levels, erectile dysfunction, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Apply the marigold plant to the swollen area before putting on the cloth or compression stockings.
- Epsom salt baths can also reduce swelling. Pour 1 or 2 cups of Epsom salt into the water in the tub and let it dissolve before soaking in it. You don't need to pour this salt water all over your body, just sit and soak in it. Soak at least once a week or soak your feet in warm Epsom salt solution every day.
Method 2 of 4: Stretching to Improve Blood Circulation
Step 1. Stretch your legs after sitting for a long time
Whether you work in a sitting position, sit in a car, take an airplane, or spend a long time just sitting at home, make sure to stretch your legs several times a day. Sitting all day can cause swelling of blood vessels due to poor blood circulation. There are some great stretching techniques you can do, even while sitting.
- Sit with your legs stretched forward under the table with only your heels on the floor.
- Curl your toes so that they point forward and hold this position for 30 seconds. You should be able to feel the calf muscles stretch, but don't push them so hard that they hurt.
- Point your toes away from your body and hold this position for 30 seconds. You will feel the front leg stretch, but make sure you don't feel any pain.
Step 2. Stretch your chest several times a day
Your legs are not the only body part that needs stretching. Chest stretches can help your chest muscles and strengthen your back muscles to improve posture. Good posture will help improve blood flow throughout your body.
Sit in a chair straight. Imagine a rope from the ceiling pulling your chest up. Interlock your fingers and point your palms up. Lift your chin, push your head into the steps, and look up at the ceiling. Take a deep breath in this position, exhale, and release
Step 3. Take breaks throughout the day
Whether you work in a sitting position or drive a vehicle for a long time, look for opportunities to get up from this position. If you don't have a chance to get up from sitting down, take a break.
- While you're driving, take the time to buy gas, go to the toilet, or even take in the sights to get up and stretch for a moment. You can use this method even if you don't actually refuel or use the toilet. Taking a break from a sitting position benefits the blood vessels in your legs.
- During work, find an excuse to get up from a sitting position throughout the day. Instead of emailing, walk over to the desk or office of the person you're addressing to talk to them in person. At lunch, walk somewhere rather than just sitting at your desk.
- This may be difficult during long-haul flights, but consider getting up and walking to the back of the plane and then back to your seat. You may also be able to get up from your seat and go to the toilet occasionally during the flight.
Method 3 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of swollen veins
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may need to start seeking treatment or contact your doctor. The sooner you deal with it, the sooner you can relieve it. Symptoms of swollen veins only occur around the swollen part.
- Typical symptoms include a feeling of fullness, heaviness, aches and pains in the legs, mild swelling of the soles or ankles, and itching. You may also see swollen blood vessels, especially in the legs.
- More severe symptoms include leg swelling, pain in the legs or thighs after standing or sitting for a long time, discoloration of the skin on the feet or ankles, dry, irritated or peeling skin that breaks easily, skin sores that don't heal, and hardening or thickening. skin of the feet and ankles.
Step 2. Avoid standing too long
This condition puts strain on the legs and triggers pain and poor blood flow. Find a way to rest and sit down for a while, so you don't have to stand up all the time.
Avoid crossing your legs while sitting. Keep your legs elevated if possible so the blood will flow away from your feet. If possible, while lying down, elevate the legs above the heart to reduce blood flow from the legs
Step 3. Avoid sitting cross-legged at the knees
Sitting in this position can block blood flow. Obstructed blood flow can cause dilation of the lower blood vessels (due to blocked blood flow back to the heart).
Step 4. Exercise
Look for exercises that can help stimulate your leg muscles. Contraction of the skeletal muscles in the legs helps blood flow back to the heart and the rest of the body, thereby reducing pressure on the blood vessels in the legs. Bending your legs up and down while sitting also helps push blood through the veins in your legs.
Recommended exercise for people with this condition include walking, jogging, and swimming. Swimming in particular is great because it keeps your body in a horizontal position, so that blood doesn't accumulate in the legs and cause swelling of the veins
Step 5. Lose weight
If you are overweight, consider reducing it to reduce blood vessel swelling. When you are overweight, the pressure on your lower body will increase, including on your feet and soles of your feet. This will make the blood collect in that area, causing the blood vessels to swell.
- The best way to lose weight is to control your diet. Limit your portion sizes and prepare a balanced meal. Choose healthy protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains and fiber, healthy oils, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid sugary foods, fried foods, processed products, and foods rich in hydrogenated and trans fats.
- Talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals. The doctor will tell you whether the target is realistic or achievable, and will provide guidance on how to achieve it. Your doctor can also help you plan your diet by considering the medications you are taking.
Step 6. Quit smoking
Besides being unhealthy for the body, smoking can also increase the pressure on the blood vessels. Several compounds in cigarette smoke have a negative impact on blood vessels, including their walls. You should stop smoking so that your vessels do not dilate too much and eventually swell.
Method 4 of 4: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about sclerotherapy
This relatively painless procedure involves the injection of a chemical solution or saline solution into the vein to close and remove it. This procedure is suitable for small varicose veins or spider veins. You may have to undergo several procedures every 4-6 weeks. After that, your leg may be wrapped with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
There is also a treatment known as microsclerotherapy for spider veins. This procedure is performed using a very fine needle to inject a chemical into the vein
Step 2. Consider laser therapy
This procedure is generally only used for small varicose veins. The laser will be emitted onto the surface of the skin around the swollen blood vessels. The laser will create energy that heats up the network of blood vessels, and destroys the surrounding blood clots. After that, the swollen blood vessels will close, and after a while, are reabsorbed by the body.
Step 3. Learn more about ablation
Venous ablation is performed using high heat to treat swollen veins, and can be performed using either radio frequency waves or laser technology. The doctor will puncture the vein, insert a catheter into the vein up to the groin, and send heat through it. This heat will close and destroy the vein so that over time it will disappear.
Step 4. Talk about ambulatory phlebectomy
This surgery is performed by doctors by making small incisions in the skin to remove small veins. The doctor will then use a small hook to pull the vein out of your leg. This procedure is suitable for spider veins and other small veins.
- In normal cases, this operation can be completed in one day. The doctor will only anesthetize the area of the body around the vein, so that you remain conscious during the procedure. You may experience some minor bruising.
- A phlebectomy may be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as ablation. The doctor will determine whether doing treatments at the same time would be beneficial.
Step 5. Talk about stripping varicose veins
This invasive procedure is intended to treat problems with the veins and is usually only performed in cases of severe varicose veins. The doctor will make a small incision in the skin, tie and remove the vein from the leg. You will be sedated during the surgery and should be able to fully recover within 1 to 4 weeks.
Even if your vein is removed, this procedure has no impact on blood circulation. Other, deeper veins will handle the blood flow, and circulation in your leg should be fine
Tips
- There's no shame in stretching in public, such as on a plane or at the office. Stretching will really help you in the long run and is well worth the effort.
- Do not stretch to the point that it causes pain. Stretching generally causes mild discomfort that can be endured and even becomes comfortable once you get used to it.
Warning
- Blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause a fatal pulmonary embolism. This is rare, but you should still consult with your doctor. Signs of pulmonary embolism are shortness of breath, cold or bluish skin, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, restlessness, vomiting blood, or a weak pulse.
- Varicose veins are a common case of swollen veins, and some people are more at risk of developing it. People who are more at risk for varicose veins include the elderly, women, people with congenital heart valve disorders, obesity, pregnant women, and those with a history of blood clots, or a family history of varicose veins.
