Not only is this vein condition unsightly, but it can also cause considerable pain and discomfort. Your veins are bulging and sore because they’re swollen with pooling blood — blood that has stopped moving forward in your veins because the vein valves are malfunctioning. Pooling blood due to leaky valves often cause varicose vein symptoms, such as:
Cramps
Swelling
Heavy or achy legs
A throbbing or burning sensation
As you age, your skin gets thinner, and it dries out more easily. The skin near your varicose veins can get itchy and uncomfortable. But you don’t need to suffer from varicose vein pain. The expert team at the Varicose Vein Center of New Jersey provides relief from these symptoms through a variety of non-invasive office treatments and health tips. Dr. Dmitry Gorelik, the leading vein specialist, determines the best treatment options to manage your varicose vein symptoms.
Your varicose vein pain is a symptom of a faulty circulatory system. Circulation problems often result from poor overall health. A visit to the Varicose Vein Center of New Jersey provides you with a definitive diagnosis, which is the starting point for any treatment.
After a thorough physical exam and a review of your health history, your vein specialist may suggest some lifestyle improvements, along with some home care practices. Some of the best preventative and palliative at-home therapy and lifestyle changes include:
Movement. Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods constricts your veins and prevents your blood from circulating efficiently. If your occupation requires you to remain still, flex your feet, bend your knees or stretch your calves a few times each day.
Exercise. Low-impact exercises, especially those that target your calf muscles, improve your circulation. Aerobic activities lower your blood pressure. Cycling, swimming, using elliptical machines and walking benefit the correct muscles without stressing your joints.
Elevation. Your varicose leg veins are swollen with blood because your damaged veins can no longer overcome the force of gravity. Elevating your legs above your heart can make gravity work for you. Blood then flows more easily from your legs back to your heart, relieving pressure on your venous valves. Keep your legs elevated for 15-minute intervals to relieve swelling and varicose vein pain.
Cold water. Immersing your legs in cold water shrinks your blood vessels and relieves pain. Since heat increases the throbbing sensation, avoid hot showers and baths.
Hydration. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps your overall health and enables proper blood circulation. Dehydration aggravates the intensity and frequency of varicose vein pain.
Diet. Remove salty foods to minimize water retention and relieve vein pressure. Eat potassium-rich foods such as nuts, beans, fish, leafy vegetables and potatoes, which reduces water retention. A high-fiber diets keeps your digestive tract moving efficiently and further reduces vein pressure.
Flavonoid-rich foods. Spinach, broccoli, citrus fruits, cherries, grapes, cocoa, and garlic provide essential nutrients, improve circulation and reduce blood pressure.
Compression stockings. The pressure and support provided by these special stockings help reduce varicose vein pain and keep your blood flowing.
Massage. Either find a trained massage therapist or gently massage your own legs to improve blood flow. Be careful not to apply pressure directly to the affected veins since you could damage fragile tissue.
Stretch. During the day, take several quick breaks from your normal routine to do some gentle stretching. It promotes better overall body circulation.
Lifestyle changes and at-home care may alleviate some pain, while improving your circulatory system and overall health. But if your varicose veins are severely swollen, you may require more aggressive medical treatment. The sooner you deal with varicose vein pain, the easier your treatments are.
If you want to pursue professional treatment for your varicose veins, you need the help of trained specialist like Dr. Gorelik. Your vein doctor offers several non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments, depending on your condition. He may suggest one or more of them in conjunction with your home care. Some of the most effective methods of treating varicose vein pain include:
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins. Your doctor injects a chemical or saline solution into your vein to close it and allow your blood to flow through the nearby healthy blood vessels. The damaged vein is eventually absorbed by your body.
Endovenous laser ablation. Your vein specialist inserts a laser fiber into your vein, which heats it until it collapses. Your blood immediately circumvents it through your healthy veins. The collapsed vein gradually disappears.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This treatment uses the same technique as laser ablation, but RFA uses radiofrequency to generate heat. Ambulatory phlebotomy. Your doctor surgically removes your damaged veins. The cuts are so tiny, no stitches are required.
If you’re ready for relief from the pain of varicose veins, Dr. Dmitry Gorelik at the Varicose Vein Center of New Jersey can design a treatment program especially designed for your needs. In fact, he specializes in women’s vein issues. Ask Dr. Gorelik about your veins; it’s the beginning of a pain-free life without varicose veins.
Call for an appointment today!
212.389.1326
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