How to treat venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency occurs when your veins are unable to circulate blood properly. This condition often goes hand in hand with varicose veins, which are large, twisted veins that most commonly appear in the legs and feet. You can do several things to improve blood flow and vein health.

Instructions

• 1

  Wear compression stockings. They exert pressure on the legs and help blood move more efficiently. You need to wear them all day. Ask your doctor if over-the-counter stockings are appropriate or if you would benefit more from prescription-strength stockings.

• 2

  Exercise to improve circulation. Do not start a routine without consulting with your doctor. He can advise you about appropriate activities. Ideally, you want to get in 30 minutes of exercise several days a week.

• 3

  Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight impairs proper blood flow.

• 4

  Quit smoking; it impairs circulation.

• 5

  Keep your legs above your heart when you are lying down.

• 6

  Use herbal supplements shown to benefit venous insufficiency. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends horse chestnut, 250 mg twice a day;, gotu kola, 200 mg four times daily; and butcher's broom, 150 mg three times a day.
  Do not use natural treatments without talking to your doctor first.

• 7

  Eat a diet rich in fiber and bioflavonoids, which are substances found in plant foods, to encourage vein health. Particularly beneficial foods include whole grains, dark berries, leafy greens, garlic and onions. Consider using nutritional supplements rich in flavonoids as well; according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these supplements that can improve vein health include rutin, 500 mg twice a day; grapeseed extract, 720 mg daily; and pine bark extract, 120 mg three times a day. Discuss these with your doctor before trying them on your own.

• 8

  Talk to your doctor about surgical and nonsurgical procedures if self-care measures are proving ineffective. Options include therapies employing lasers, heat or radiofrequency as well as removing the problem veins.