Do you have swollen, enlarged and twisting veins on your legs? Do these veins appear dark purple or dark blue? Your most likely diagnosis is varicose veins.

Varicose veins is a condition that occurs when there are faulty valves in the veins in your legs that hinder normal blood flow. Blood flow in the opposite direction or pools in your legs. This condition is prevalent in the US and affects about 1 in 4 adults. Some facts of the condition you need to know include:

• Overweight individuals have a higher risk of varicose veins
• Pregnant women are also an at-risk population
• The main symptoms of the condition include spider veins, swollen ankles, and aching legs

If you have symptoms of varicose veins, it is important to avoid treatment for health reasons. However, if you experience painful legs, aching, swelling and you are in considerable discomfort, there are treatment options available.

If treatment of your varicose veins is necessitated, you require Advanced Vein Therapy to help with vein treatments. Some of the treatments include:

• Surgery, which involves the removal of the varicose veins under general anesthetic
• Stripping and ligation where the affected vein is removed
• Sclerotherapy that involves the use of chemicals to scar and close affected veins
• Radiofrequency ablasion that utilizes radiofrequency heat to collapse the walls of affected veins and close them
• Endovenous laser treatment that uses lasers to seal affected veins
• Transilluminated powered phlebectomy where affected veins are cut up and removed using a suction device

These specialized treatments should be a last resort as there are some home remedies that are effective in relieving the symptoms of varicose veins. Consider;

• Exercise: Low energy exercises encourage better circulation of blood in your legs, consequently pushing out blood pooling in your leg veins. Some effective exercises include swimming, cycling, walking, and yoga.
• Compression stockings: These are widely available and you can purchase them in your local pharmacy. They apply pressure on your legs and constrict the enlarged veins.
• Essential oils: Leg pain, itching, and heaviness can be reduced by using essential oils such as horse chestnut especially in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency.
• Diet: You should consider reducing foods that encourage your body to retain water such as salty foods and foods high in sodium and potassium. Avoid:
• Leafy vegetables
• Potatoes
• Pistachio nuts and almonds
• Tuna and salmon

Consider fiber-rich foods that reduce constipation, which may contribute to aggravation of varicose veins, such as:

• Flaxseed, wheat, and oats
• Seeds, nuts, and legumes
• Whole grains
• Consume more flavonoids: Flavonoids in your diet will aid in blood circulation and prevent blood from pooling in your legs. They include
• Garlic
• Cocoa
• Citrus fruits
• Apples
• Spinach
• Broccoli

Do not be alarmed if the veins in your legs become enlarged and change color. Prior to seeking treatment, it is imperative that you try the above tried and tested home remedies. You should always remember that the only sure remedy for varicose veins is promoting circulation in your legs.