If you have large, swollen, and painful purple or blue veins on your legs, you’ve probably been dealing with varicose veins. Varicose veins can make you feel insecure about showing off your legs, and they can also cause discomfort and potential health complications. Fortunately, there are things you can do on your own and with the help of a doctor to eliminate them.
Here are 12 effective ways to get rid of varicose veins.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat causes varicose veins?Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.You often get varicose veins naturally as you age. The pressure, especially in women from having babies, can cause varicose veins. Your skin also naturally gets thinner and loses its elasticity as you age, so you don't have the thick skin to protect the veins anymore.
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QuestionHow do I stop veins from showing on my legs?Dr. Vlad Gendelman, MD is an Orthopaedic Surgery Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in general orthopaedic surgery, including orthopaedic trauma, sports injuries, and joint replacements. Dr. Gendelman holds a BS in Biology from the University of Southern California and received his Doctorate from the University of California at Irvine. He then completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at SUNY Downstate. Dr. Gendelman is board certified with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, the California Medical Association, California Orthopaedic Association, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Gendelman is a published author of multiple papers in the field of orthopaedic surgery.Avoid staying in the same position for an extended period of time since it can make your veins more visible.
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QuestionI'm 26 years old and I have a lot of varicose veins in my legs. How can I treat them naturally?Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.You can try to apply apple cider vinegar. Soak a cloth or cotton pad in a little bit of vinegar and rub it all over the veins. Let it sit for 30 minutes to maximize the effect. I do not believe in home remedies for varicose veins, however, and I believe that you need to seek out medical attention.
Video
Tips
- Rubbing apple cider vinegar on your varicose veins along with other treatments, like compression stockings, may make your veins fade faster. However, more studies are needed to prove it without a doubt. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
- To diagnose your varicose veins, your doctor will likely take a medical history, give you a physical exam, and may perform an ultrasound.Thanks
- Varicose veins may be hereditary.Thanks
Warnings
- While home remedies like lotions and essential oils are sometimes recommended for varicose veins, studies show that they aren’t effective. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4722-varicose-veins
- ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/diets/how-to-lose-weight-and-keep-it-off.htm
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/varicose-veins
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/how-dermatologists-treat-leg-veins
- ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/how-dermatologists-treat-leg-veins
- ↑ https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/varicose-veins/treatments.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11015-laser-skin-resurfacing
- ↑ https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/varicose-veins/treatments.html
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/surgery/varicose-vein-stripping
- ↑ https://www.circulationfoundation.org.uk/help-advice/veins/varicose-veins-operation-explained
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/endovenous-laser-varicose-vein-surgery
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4735895/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4722-varicose-veins
About This Article
To get rid of varicose veins, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time to keep your blood circulating properly. When you do have to sit down, try to keep your legs elevated and uncrossed to reduce pressure on your veins. Additionally, sleeping on your back while keeping your legs elevated can help to improve your blood circulation and prevent varicose veins. Regular exercise and wearing compression socks are also helpful treatment options! To learn more about medical procedures that can reduce the appearance of varicose veins, read on!
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