8 natural methods and lifestyle changes to treat varicose veins

You may think that varicose veins are simply an fact of life that come with the onset of middle age. Nowadays, less-invasive modern techniques reduce scarring and give you legs you'll gladly show off.

If you have varicose veins, consult your doctor about the best treatment, and don't delay: the earlier you intervene, the easier this condition is to treat. Many people can keep varicose veins from causing problems by making lifestyle changes. You may be able to keep your varicose veins under control and reduce the risk of getting additional veins by adopting some lifestyle measures. The following strategies are often quite helpful:

• Wear compression stockings to help nudge the blood back up to your heart. These stockings come in a range of sizes and need to be fitted to the shape of your legs. You can get them at medical supply stores or your doctor can prescribe them. Don't worry that they're fashion gone bad; today they come in a variety of styles and colours.
• Elevate your legs above your hips several times a day; keep them there for 10 to 20 minutes. Try not to cross your legs when you sit.
• Avoid constriction. Toss out any girdles and other tight, binding garments (such as too-snug belts and too-tight shoes) that put undue pressure on veins anywhere in your body.
• Get regular exercise. Building up your calf muscles helps push the blood back up to your heart. (The action of your calf and leg muscles help keep the blood going in the right direction.) It’s best to stick with low-impact workouts, however. Of all activities, swimming and water aerobics are the best for varicose veins. The surrounding water acts as a giant compression stocking, and if the water is cold, it’s all the better to tone your muscles. Other good choices are walking (be sure to put on your compression stockings first) and easy bike riding.
• Lose weight if you need to. Excess weight puts extra pressure on your legs and your veins.
• Don't stand for long periods. Standing makes it harder for blood to flow back up to your heart. If you have to stand for a long time, do heel raises and stand on tiptoe to stimulate your calves.
• Resist the urge to scratch, even when your veins bother you. Doing so may prompt a skin ulcer. Apply a moisturizing cream, or ask your doctor to prescribe something to soothe the itch.

To boost the health of your veins, take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins C and E.

• Several herbs are also helpful. Gotu kola works to tone surrounding tissues, keep veins flexible and encourage blood flow.
• Horse chestnut seed extract is thought to reduce vein swelling and inflammation, and is often taken with bilberry, an antioxidant herb that appears to enhance blood flow and reinforce vein walls.