Pain Relief for Varicose Veins

Veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to your heart. A series of valves keeps this blood traveling in the right direction. If these valves don’t close properly, blood flows backwards and pools inside the vein. This creates pressure and swelling, resulting in varicose veins and sometimes pain. Getting the pooled blood back to your heart relieves the pain. There are several ways to promote better circulation and ease discomfort. If you choose to begin a new exercise routine, discuss these plans with your doctor first.

Exercises

• You can use gravity to move pooled blood to your heart. Lie flat on your back with your arms next to you. Prop your feet on a chair or straight against a wall. Stay in this position for 10 minutes, breathing deeply from your diaphragm. Yoga positions encourage circulation too. Try the Plow, Corpse and Half Shoulder Stand. Low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming or rocking in a rocking chair also reduces pain by improving blood flow. However, strenuous, jarring exercise could increase blood pressure in your legs and make you feel worse instead of better.

Clothing

• Compression or support stockings help blood flow from your ankles back to your heart by steadily squeezing your legs. Stockings come in a range of strengths and colors and are available at most pharmacies. Measure your legs to make sure you have the correct size. Choose stockings that feel strong but not too tight. Tight clothing around your waist and legs decreases circulation and will intensify your discomfort. Also avoid high heels. Walking in flat shoes works the muscles in your lower legs and this encourages circulation.

Diet

• The Mayo Clinic recommends a low-salt, high-fiber diet to minimize aches. Salt can increase pressure on your veins by causing water-retention. Fiber can reduce the pressure caused by constipation and straining. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.