Varicose veins are quite a common problem. According to the US National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that about 20% of all adults will get varicose veins at some point in their lives.(1)
In this condition, abnormally enlarged veins appear close to the surface of the skin.
These usually occur in the calves and thighs when the veins develop weakened walls or poorly functioning valves, which regulate blood flow.
Although this problem is more common in older people, young people may also develop varicose veins. Chronic venous insufficiency and mild varicose veins are more common in men than women.(2)
Contents
Causes
Varicose veins occur when veins aren’t functioning properly, and they can be due to several reasons, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Age (over 50)
- Obesity
- A family history of the condition
- Standing for prolonged periods
It also commonly affects middle-aged males required to work standing for prolonged hours.(3)
Other common factors contributing to varicose veins are:
- Use of birth control pills
- Constipation
- Hormonal changes in the body
- A sedentary lifestyle
Even a previous leg injury may damage the valves in a vein, which can result in varicosity.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of varicose veins are highly visible, misshapen veins, usually on the legs. The appearance of dark-blue or purple bulging veins as a result of this condition is a concern for many people.
The patient may also experience symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Heaviness
- Achiness
- Skin discoloration
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Burning, throbbing, or tingling sensation
Prevention
Here are a few tips that can help you prevent and manage varicose veins:
- Exercise on a regular basis.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid excessively tight clothing.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
- Try not to wear high-heeled shoes for long periods.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, self-care measures are sufficient to manage this condition. However, it is recommended that you seek medical attention if:
- The skin over the affected veins becomes flaky, prone to bleeding, discolored, or ulcerated.
- The varicose veins are warm, red, and tender.
- The varicose vein gets injured.
- There is excessive bleeding.
- The bleeding doesn’t stop.
- Symptoms get worse.
- Self-care measures do not work.
Medical and surgical options for the treatment of varicose veins can be quite expensive. In a 2007 study published in the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, researchers pointed out that patients should consider the cost and expenses of conventional surgery before opting for it.(4)
Patients can try some home remedies to decrease the severity of varicose veins and reduce some of the discomforts they can cause.
Here are the best home remedies for varicose veins.
1. Compression Stockings
It might be a good idea to invest in compression stockings if you are suffering from varicose veins.
Wearing compression stockings will help the veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. This, in turn, will reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. A 2018 study published in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery found that among patients with varicose veins, graduated elastic compression stockings seem to be effective in ameliorating symptoms, particularly pain or aching, compared with placebo stockings. The patients used knee-high compression stockings with a pressure of 18 to 21 mmHg for one week.(5)
A 2004 study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that calf-length compression stockings with a pressure range between 11 and 21 mmHg are able to reduce or totally prevent swelling in the legs due to long periods of sitting or standing.(6)
The level of compression required varies for different patients. However, most types of compression stockings can easily be found at any drugstore.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful remedy for the treatment of varicose veins. It is a natural “body-cleansing” ingredient that also improves blood flow and circulation. When the blood starts flowing naturally, the heaviness and swelling of varicose veins will decrease significantly.
A 2016 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that the external application of apple vinegar on patients with varicose veins, which is a very easy application, increased the positive effects of conservative treatment.
In this study, patients suffering from varicose veins were asked to apply apple cider vinegar on the affected area and keep it covered using a cloth for about half an hour, two times a day for 1 month, along with the doctor’s treatment. On completion of the test, the statistical data showed that the patients who followed this remedy experienced a decrease in pain, fatigue, edema, itching, pigmentation, and cramps compared with those who were not asked to apply the vinegar.(7)
- Apply apple cider vinegar (undiluted) on the skin over the varicose veins. Massage the area gently. Do this every day in the morning and before going to bed. Follow this remedy for a few months to reduce the size of varicose veins.
- Alternatively, you can add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 glass of water and stir well. Drink the mixture twice a day for at least one month to reduce the varicose veins.
3. Exercise
According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, sitting or standing for long periods without moving around much is associated with an increased risk of varicose veins and other forms of blood pooling.(8)
To reduce the risk of and help treat varicose veins, remaining physically active is a must. Exercise also helps in balancing the hormones naturally, losing weight, or maintaining healthy body weight. All these can help in preventing and treating varicose veins.
Exercise increases the muscle strength, stimulates the flow of blood, and enhances the circulation. This relieves the pain and other complications and thus promotes healthy veins.
Light exercises help in getting the calf muscles working without excessive strain. Some of the most effective low-impact exercises include swimming, walking, cycling, and yoga.
In a 2010 study published in the World Journal of Sport Sciences, researchers recommend following a systematic sports activity (such as walking) to activate blood circulation, in order to prevent the vulnerability of expectant women to varicose veins.(9)
A 2016 study reports that aquatic exercises were capable of improving aspects of the quality of life and reducing pain, demonstrating that they benefit patients with chronic venous disease.(10)
4. Avoid Prolonged Sitting and Standing
A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2005 reports that prolonged standing at work contributes to an increased risk of hospital treatment due to varicose veins.(11)
One of the best ways to prevent varicose veins is to not stand or sit for long periods and to avoid sitting with your legs crossed, as it puts terrible pressure on the veins. Also, when you are resting, try to keep your legs elevated. This applies especially to pregnant women.
It is recommended to elevate your feet above the level of your heart three or four times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. Elevating your legs can help reduce leg swelling and relieve other symptoms.(12)
If you need to sit or stand for a long period of time and elevation is not possible, try flexing (bending) your legs occasionally to help keep blood circulating. If you’re sitting for a long period of time, get up and walk about every hour.
5. Horse Chestnut Seeds
Horse chestnut seeds are an age-old remedy for the treatment of varicose veins. Horse chestnut seeds are packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties that can effectively increase “venous tone” and, in turn, reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
Horse chestnut seed extract consists of a compound called aescin that helps in improving the elastic strength of veins and preventing the release of enzymes that damage the capillary walls.
A study published in Advances in Therapy in 2006 reports that the fresh-plant horse chestnut seed extract preparation Aesculaforce offers a real alternative in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate venous insufficiency.(13)
A 2012 review of clinical studies published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that horse chestnut extract is an effective short-term treatment for symptoms of varicose veins. The study reveals that aescin appears to promote blood circulation through the veins and thereby reduces swelling and inflammation of the legs.(14)
Another 2015 study confirms the effectiveness of the use of horse chestnut seed extract or aescin as a treatment for chronic venous insufficiency.(15)
- Horse chestnut seed gel is readily available and can be purchased easily. Use the gel externally on the affected area twice daily. When used on a regular basis, it can considerably reduce leg pain and swelling.
- You can also take horse chestnut supplements. The most common dosage is 300 mg twice daily, standardized to contain 50 mg hospitalization per dose, for a total daily dose of 100 mg escin.
Resources:
- Varicose veins: Overview. Informed Health Online. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279247/. Published July 13, 2016.
- Evans CJ, Fowkes FG, Ruckley CV, Lee AJ. Prevalence of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency in men and women in the general population: Edinburgh Vein Study American Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1756838/.
- Mulla SA, Pai S. Varicose veins: a clinical study. International Surgery Journal. http://www.ijsurgery.com/index.php/isj/article/view/822. Published 2017.
- Subramonia S, Lees TA. The Treatment of Varicose Veins-ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1964550/. Published March 2007.
- Kakkos SK, Timpilis M, Patrinos P, et al. Acute Effects of Graduated Elastic Compression Stockings in Patients with Symptomatic Varicose Veins: A Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1078588417306421. Published November 10, 2017.
- Partsch H, Winiger J, Lun B. Compression stockings reduce occupational leg swelling. Dermatologic Surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15099316. Published May 2004.
- Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C. The Effect of External Apple Vinegar Application on Varicosity Symptoms, Pain, Social Appearance Anxiety: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4735895/. Published January 2016.
- Varicose Veins. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/varicose-veins.
- Rabea MM. Effect of Walking Intervention Program on Varicose Veins … World Journal of Sport Sciences . https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267835382_Effect_of_Walking_Intervention_Program_on_Varicose_Veins_among_Pregnant_Women. Published 2010.
- Aquino, Santos MAdos, Vieira LC, et al. Analysis of the effects of aquatic exercise on the quality of life of people with a chronic venous disease. Jornal Vascular Brasileiro. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1677-54492016000100027&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en.
- Tuchsen F, Hannerz H, Burr H, Krause N. Prolonged standing at work and hospitalisation due to varicose veins. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1740939/. Published December 2005.
- Elevation of the legs. Stanford Health Care (SHC)-Stanford Medical Center. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/varicose-veins/treatments/elevation-legs.html.
- Suter A, Bommer S, Rechner J. Treatment of patients with venous insufficiency with fresh plant horse chestnut seed extract: a review of 5 clinical studies. Advances in Therapy. https://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pubmed/16644618. Published 2006.
- Underland V, Sæterdal I, Nilsen ES. Cochrane Summary of Findings: Horse Chestnut Seed Extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3833478/. Published March 2012.
- Dudek-Makuch M, Studzińska-Sroka E. Horse chestnut–efficacy and safety in chronic venous insufficiency: an overview. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0102695X15001003. Published June 29, 2015.
good…….good
I am pregnant and because of hormones I have started developing vericose veins. But I have been using a cheese grater and grading potatoes up and put it on my veins as my midwife suggested. WOW what a difference! I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through the last ten weeks of my pregnancy. Eight weeks to go now and they are only getting smaller. I’m not sure how you can get the potatoes and the juices to stay on your leg, but I’m sure it would help on your legs. Try it for one week. You’ll be amazed!
i will try it.. thanks
Very informative. ..
Good information…will try some of the remedies.
this great! now i can do some of those treatment that can be seen and found at the yard…
Very good information, i think it can help a lot!!!
Thank you very much for the information. I will use this tips practically and come back to you if it really works.Thanks in anticipation.
I vil try one f. it…thanx 4 gr8 info
Thank you so much for information!
it really works.thanks for information. very gud
Thank you very much…appreciate this nice job.. I found very useful and effective remedies on this site….Will be back soon once I get my problems recovered..
Very nice.
Thanks!
Eveyorne would benefit from reading this post
Thank you so much providing such imp. Information.. I’ll Try n let you know the result.. Hopefully positive+
Great info long time need this info,..will try,….hope will get the reason soon,..so i can wear my shot hawaiian
gr8 informatin i liked it
i like this web site
quite informative.
vry informetiv,,,,tanx
Good knowledge
I like this information
wow great info indeed.thnkx a lot
thanks for the info
Thanks 4good information
its good and i am following it.
thanks fr the information,i’ll try it
Great stuff going to try !most definite !!!
Thank you so very much I will try this because am so need it.
Excellent! God bless u sir….
Good to read
Very useful information.. Thanks a lot..
This site is very important. Thank you very much. You’re really doing a great job!
Okay I’m coievncnd. Let’s put it to action.
Thank You! I Will Try This.
Very helpful & informative!
Very informative!! Thanks!!
Very usefull..thank you for those info..god bless…
at 54 years old, i noticed few varicous vein at the back of my legs. been drinking apple cider vinegar 1 table spoon in a cup of water. hope it will work and observing it’s efectivenss. thanks
Apple cider vinegar is really good for varicose veins.i can see the diffeerence.thank you for this useful information.
Highly appreciated info !!
Nicely prepared to take the first time deal of varicose vain problem.
My husband has been drinking a vinegar, water and lemon mixture for three weeks (in the morning on an empty stomach) to help get rid of pain due to gallstones. Not only has the pain subsided but this evening while relaxing I noticed
Yes I tried for my leg pain and it’s slowly disappearing.
Hi sylvia… given grt info thanks… i wud like to know the quantity of ACV … water n how much lemon juice
But I noticed his varicose veins were no longer bulging out (a problem he’s had for many years) . My husband will now include ACV in his daily diet!
Apple Cider Vinegar! oops! thanks:)
Have seen that Apple cider vinegar is vry vry useful for many ailments. Will appreciate if u cud pls post all the ailments that can helped with the use of apple cide vinegar. Thank u.
I like this website, very informative and very useful. Complete with instructions on how to use the herbs. Thank you and more power.
This is great information for me, because I’ve been struggling with this problem for quite a while now. With this information, I will get the results I have been praying for for a long time. I can also pass it on to others who have the same problem.
Has anyone actually tried any of those remedies? I am wandering if they really work?
Thank you very much for all the health tips…so very useful and interesting home remedies!
Very useful info God Bless
Thank you very much for this tips
Nice information and right way to escape from trouble who are suffering vericose ven. …………….Other than alopathic drugs. ……..
I just noticed a vein in my leg today so thats why im here. i will try these remedies. thanks!
Thanks for your useful message
Home remedies is very good, i want its name of herbs or fruits in my marathi language along with english.
Very useful must try very painful vericose
Very good information about
The Prevention
Taking the ovveeirw, this post hits the spot
I try to used one of the above. Great. Effective.
Apple cider vinegar really works on vericose veins .
Commendable information very useful for patients suffering from varicose veins.
Thanks,very much, very good information,I will TRY to do.
The information I read was very positive I will try the remedies, And post my results. THANKU SO MUCH!
thank you so much.
Thanks so much for your greatful information.
Thanks you so much
I will try hazel and apple cider vinegar! I’m in my 14 week of pregnancy and my veins are severely swelled!!! thanks
Thank you so much! for the info
Acv really helped me with my varicose just 2 weeks drinking my varicose became smaller.thanks 4 d.info
This is Great, My Grandma is suffering from Varicose Veins & the pain is unbearable. I would be following some of your tips to make her feel relief. I am positive & sure these tips going to work. Thanks for sharing.
Do you do the apple cider and witch hazel both or just do one or the other
Comment:Thanks for the information
Can I substitute distilled white vinegar for the ACV and see the same results? I know the ph is the same with each. And to be clear, we are doing topical and oral? I am hopeful this will help make satisfactory improvements in my skin.
Dip Fuller’s earth clay (multani mitti) in water and add few crushed garlic cloves,2tb spoon apple cider vinegar, half spoon turmeric powder and apply on affected area and leave it until it’s gets dry and wash after 2 hrs.personal experience and really very helpful for pain and inflammation of varicose vain.enjoy
I’m surprised DMSO isn’t mentioned as a home remedy. On my upper leg I had an ugly blue/gray varicose vein for years and it was slowly getting worse. I applied DMSO gel first, then rubbed on some ground cayenne pepper and then put on 2 apple cider vinegar soaked cotton balls. Held in place and put an elastic wrap around it and slept with it that way for 3 or 4 nights and the varicose vein is almost gone. There is some redness on the skin. Will let that clear up and do the application again if needed. DMSO is very good for bringing anything with it deep into the skin and body. Make sure your hands and affected area are very clean before applying DMSO.
Thank you awesome tips for varicose veins problem
I really don’t know about these home remedies for varicose. Lucky that i found your article on the internet. Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar really helps me with my varicose veins. Thanks for sharing these tips to us!
It is the first time in my life i hear about apple cider vinegar ..I’m going to start immediately to use it because I try all things to treat my vein. Thank you very much
Good information…will try some of the remedies. I’m going to start immediately to use it because I try all things to treat my vein. Thank you very much Thank you awesome tips for varicose veins problem.
if i need more information than whom should i contect please give me the number .