Tips for Soothing Varicose Vein Pain

Almost 50% of women suffer from them, whether it's those slight spider veins that cover their legs or in their most noticeable and dilated way in which the varicose veins end up becoming more annoying than painful.

Written and verified by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Tired legs, a feeling of pressure, cramping, burning, pain…Varicose veins aren’t just any old problem, they’re a condition that can really put limits on your quality of life.  So, are there any ways to soothe varicose vein pain?

The most common way to treat varicose veins is with surgery. Lately, laser treatment has become the most frequent option, but unfortunately, it doesn’t always stop varicose veins from coming back.

When it’s a circulation-based problem, it’s highly likely they’ll come back. Your genetic ancestors, a sedentary lifestyle, and your diet are all key factors that can lead to them. Today, we’re going to explain how you can relieve your varicose vein pain and improve your quality of life in a simple, economical way.

1. Start by changing your diet

•  To get relief for your legs and stop feeling that heaviness, it’s best to start by changing your eating habits. Eliminate salt, canned foods, salted foods, pickled food, cold cuts, red meat from your meals…These things cause fluid retention, which will make the pain worse.
• Fiber is essential for reducing the effect of varicose veins. According to several studies, the lack of fiber increases pressure at the abdominal level and causes venous insufficiency, promoting the appearance of varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
• It’s best to maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains… These foods help your intestinal tract function properly. Fruits with flavonoids are also very good for this: oranges, lemons, apples, cherries, cranberries, blueberries…
• Drink at least two liters of water a day.

2. Medicinal plants

• A very effective remedy for relieving pain and stopping the heaviness in your legs is to use “venotonic” medicinal plants. They’re a natural resource that helps you prevent your capillaries from dilating and improves your body’s resistance.
• They’re also anti-inflammatory, which means they reduce swelling and have an antioxidant effect.
• The plants that you can use for this are witch hazel leaves, red vine leaves, and Gingko Biloba. You can find them all in herbal stores and natural stores. We suggest that you consume them every day and that you be consistent. You can also find these same plants in creams or gels and use them to relieve your heaviness–they’re very effective.

3. The benefits of Indian horse chestnut

• Indian horse chestnuts are one of the most effective remedies for treating varicose veins. There’s a component called “escin” in their seeds that favors normal blood flow. There are many studies that support this fact–they say that these chestnuts reduce swelling, which means they also prevent fluid retention.
• They reduce pain, heaviness, and cramping. They’re great for treating those spiders on your legs, ulcers, and even hemorrhoids.
• You can find Indian horse chestnut in natural stores or herbal stores in capsule form. It’s best to take 400 mg twice a day, first at breakfast and again before dinner. This will prevent cramping and nighttime varicose vein pain.

4. Other basic tips for reducing varicose vein pain

• When you get home, try to relax for ten minutes and lay down on the couch with your legs up. You can just put a cushion down and put them up on the wall. This is a great, simple way to reduce swelling.
• Aloe vera is also good for relieving varicose vein pressure. You can massage your legs with the pulp from the inside–it provides a fresh, relaxing feeling.
• When you lie down, remember that it’s always best to sleep with your legs slightly above your body. Just put something underneath the mattress, or a cushion under your legs, to find the most comfortable position.
• Doing pressure measurements are often very good because they can effectively relieve varicose vein pain.
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Move around as often as you can. If your job forces you to be seated, take advantage of any times you can to move or walk. Once you get home, try going for a 20-minute walk. Biking is also very effective.
• Try not to wear tight clothing because it makes circulation in your legs more difficult.
• Applying cold and heat is also very effective. Start with a hot cloth and put pressure on the varicose veins. Then do the same thing, but with a cold cloth. This change in temperature is very relaxing, effective, and helps bring back proper circulation in your legs.