What You Need To Know About Self-Care for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins make themselves known in many ways — none of them good. And you may not have a choice: Sometimes, the veins have to be removed. But in most cases, you can get at least some relief from the pain, swelling and itching with home remedies and lifestyle changes.

Vascular surgeon Kathleen Boyle, DO, explains the basics of varicose vein self-care.

Remedies for varicose veins

While you can’t get rid of varicose veins without undergoing a procedure, there are home remedies and self-care practices that can make them easier to live with.

1. Wearing compression garments

Wearing compression socks and other compression apparel is perhaps the most effective home remedy for varicose veins.

“Compression garments don’t let your veins dilate, which reduces symptoms like aching, throbbing and itching, especially when worn throughout the day,” Dr. Boyle explains.

Medical-grade compression clothing comes in interesting and fun colors and patterns, but you can also get sheer versions that resemble pantyhose.

The type you need depends on how far up your legs your varicose veins extend. You can get knee-high, thigh-high or even legging-style garments that cover your stomach. If you go for compression leggings, Dr. Boyle advises monitoring your feet for swelling.

Compression clothing can make a world of difference. But Dr. Boyle notes that you won’t feel the benefits of compression unless you get products that are medical grade. When in doubt, ask your provider for recommendations.

2. Elevating your legs

If you can safely elevate your legs above your heart, gravity will help your veins push the blood that’s pooled in your legs back up in the direction of your heart.

“It’s kind of impractical, but if you can do it, you’ll notice your symptoms improving,” Dr. Boyle says.

If a legs up the wall pose isn’t in the cards for you, try a leg elevation pillow or an adjustable bed. Not happening? Even elevating your legs slightly with an ottoman or recliner can help reduce the pressure on your veins.

3. Exercising

While exercise can’t eliminate varicose veins, getting your blood pumping can ease symptoms and temporarily improve your veins’ appearance.

And don’t worry: You don’t have to run marathons to see those benefits. Dr. Boyle says taking a walk at night is the first thing she recommends to her patients.

“Your legs are down throughout the day, and you probably aren’t moving around as much,” she notes. “If you go for a walk at night, it helps get your blood circulating well. And you’ll feel better when you’re resting.”

If standing and walking isn’t ideal for you, try exercises you can do sitting or lying down, like ankle or calf raises.

4. Getting a massage

Massages can’t cure varicose veins, but they may temporarily reduce swelling and discomfort.

There’s one caveat, according to Dr. Boyle: Speak to your provider before getting a massage or massaging your veins yourself if you’ve had an episode of phlebitis — superficial vein swelling without a blood clot.

Some spas and massage parlors don’t massage varicose veins as a matter of policy. Usually, that’s because they’re concerned about dislodging a clot, causing tears and bleeding, or otherwise damaging your veins.

If you can’t go to a local spa or massage studio, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a medical massage therapist. These practitioners work closely with your medical team and tailor their therapy to fit your health concerns. They may even teach you how to massage your legs at home.

Varicose vein massages may come with extra precautions. But you don’t have to be afraid of them.

“We even tell patients who’ve had thrombophlebitis (vein swelling from a blood clot) to massage those veins eventually,” Dr. Boyle says. “You need to soften up and break up the area that’s all hard.”

What doesn’t work

The varicose vein home remedies you find online are often weird, but they’re rarely dangerous. Unless you have an allergy, the worst thing to come from rubbing apple cider vinegar or garlic oil on your skin is a smelly mess.

“As long as the thing you’re doing isn’t making you worse, you can always try an unconventional home remedy. But if it makes your veins or a wound like a venous leg ulcer look worse, stop using it,” Dr. Boyle stresses.

While there’s little harm in trying some of the wackier remedies, Dr. Boyle does advise staying away from any devices being advertised online.

“Don’t spend lots of money on something that says it will eliminate your spider veins or eliminate your varicose veins because I don’t think it will,” she urges. The only way to do it is to see a vein specialist.

Why self-care is important for varicose vein management

While it doesn’t help in the moment when your legs are itching, painful or tender, a good self-care regimen can make everyday life with varicose veins a little easier. Consider:

• Getting your veins evaluated: See your primary care provider if your varicose veins are causing unpleasant symptoms. They can refer you to a vascular surgeon to check for complications.
• Scheduling regular follow-ups: Have your doctor check out your veins as part of your yearly physical. Ditto if you notice a change in their appearance or in your symptoms.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Having overweight or obesity can raise inflammation levels throughout your body and put added pressure on your legs. It’s still important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a weight loss or management program.
• Adjusting your diet: To improve vein health, Dr. Boyle advises getting plenty of fiber, potassium and flavonoids (especially rutin). If possible, get these nutrients from food, not supplements.
• Staying hydrated: Being dehydrated means thicker blood and slower circulation. Drinking plenty of water can increase your blood volume and keep things moving.
• Considering herbal remedies: While more research is needed, several herbs have shown promise in the management of varicose vein symptoms — chief among them are horse chestnut seed extract, Centella Asiatica and grape seed extract.
• Keeping your skin healthy: Dry, cracked skin and leg ulcers can spell trouble when you have varicose veins. Keep your legs clean, moisturized and protected from the sun. And be sure to treat wounds as soon as possible to prevent complications down the road.
• Avoiding prolonged sitting and standing: With varicose veins, moderation is key to symptom management. Maintain an active lifestyle, but also set aside time to put your feet up.
• Reducing or quitting smoking: Smoking doesn’t just damage blood vessels. It also makes them constrict, leading to blood pooling, inflammation and circulation issues.

Final thoughts

For some people, home remedies and self-care aren’t enough to bring symptom relief. Dr. Boyle strongly recommends treatment if you experience:

• An episode of phlebitis
• A venous leg ulcer
• Bleeding
• Symptoms (like pain, itching and tenderness) that interfere with your daily life
• Distress over your veins’ appearance

Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment. A conversation isn’t a commitment — and understanding your condition may help you better recognize your symptoms.

“I think most people don’t even realize how much their legs bother them until we eliminate the veins,” she empathizes. “But afterward, they feel like their leg is lighter and they have more energy.”