The early stages of vein disease are not pleasant, but at the same time they are not terrible, and many people make the decision to wait for a while before making the decision whether to have their varicose veins removed permanently. Many of these folks ask us whether there are things they can do at home to relieve their symptoms, and make them more manageable.

Before presenting the following list of “home treatment tips,” however, as Maui vein treatment specialists we have to point out that NONE of them will actually eliminateyour varicose veins. Once your veins have been sufficiently damaged by vein disease to become varicose, there is no magical health food supplement (or even prescription medication) that can “fix” them. The only permanent way to eliminate varicose veins is to have them removed using procedures such as sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, or radiofrequency ablation. But if your veins are not causing you serious problems, there are things you can do to ease your symptoms and make “living with” vein disease more livable.

Things you can do at home to treat symptoms caused by vein disease

Watch your diet. Decrease your salt intake and increase your fiber intake. Also, remember that every extra pound you carry increases pressure on your veins, and thus the pain you associate with your varicose veins. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor for diet plans and recipes.

Get sufficient daily exercise. Yes, we realize that this tip may sound counter-intuitive if your swollen veins are already causing you pain, but it’s important. If you react to the discomfort by becoming a couch potato, your symptoms will just get worse. So try to walk or perform some other gentle exercise at least half an hour every day.

Try compression stockings. Medical-grade elastic stockings can make a huge difference by improving circulation in your legs and preventing existing varicose veins from getting larger. Your Hawaii vein specialist can help you find the proper size and compression to match your condition.

Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. Even if your job requires you to sit at a desk all day, try to take “mini-breaks” by getting up and walking once every hour or so. This will help to restore circulation to your legs.

Avoid tight clothing and high heels. Tight clothing like “Spanx” is going to reduce your circulation. This includes pants that are tight at the waist.
Take “put your feet up” breaks. Relaxing with your legs elevated can reduce symptoms of pain and swelling from varicose veins. Your blood won’t have to fight as much against gravity, and can circulate more easily.

So how do I find out more?

Whatever the severity of your vein disease symptoms, your best “first step” should be to pick up your telephone and call Dr. Randall S. Juleff to set up a consultation at our vein treatment center in Hawaii. He can assess your situation and make other recommendations that can help, plus he can tell you about treatments that can eliminate the pain and swelling of vein disease permanently.