Varicose veins are the blue coloured veins that often appear in the legs and causes excruciating pain and swelling. While it is important to see a doctor for the right treatment, there are several ways one can ease the pain at home. Here are some of the few effective home remedies.

Hot and cold water compression 

Take two buckets of water, one hot and one cold and add Epsom salt on each. Soak your leg in hot water for 2-3 minutes and then in cold water for a minute or so and do this three to four times in a day. You will be relieved of the pain.

Apply apple cider vinegar

Soak a cotton cloth with apple cider vinegar and compress on the affected area for 15-20 minutes.

Correct your posture

While sitting for long hours avoid sitting with your legs crossed and try to keep your feet rested on an elevated position to improve your blood circulation. If your job entails you to stand or sit for long hours then take periodic breaks.

Sleeping right

Similar to your sitting position while you are sleeping try to maintain a higher feet level. Find out what’s comfortable for you and you can use a pillow for the same.

Avoid tight clothes

Using tight clothes for long could aggravate varicose veins pain as tight attire does not allow proper blood circulation.

Eat foods rich in vitamin K

Vitamin K helps in preventing varicose veins so eat plenty of fish, green vegetables like lettuce, parsley and tomatoes.

Go for walking

Get into the habit of walking everyday for atleast 20 minutes. Walking helps in blood circulation thus reduces the pain.

Have more fruits

Fruit consumption is essential to avoid the formation of varicose veins. Fruits that are rich in antioxidants like oranges, lemons, kiwis, and raspberries are very helpful.

Limit salt intake

Make sure that you reduce your intake of salt, because salt can make varicose veins more visible by increasing swelling within the veins.

Massage with oil

Massaging one’s legs with essential oils improves the blood circulation, and also reduces the pain and swelling. If you are doing it on your own start from your ankles and then gradually make gentle upward strokes to the top of your legs.

Don’t do any hard massage directly on the varicose veins as it might worsen your problem.

Source :Times Of Oman