Why Removing Your Varicose Veins At Home Won't Work

They're twisted, they're large, they're unsightly and they have the potential to be quite painful. We're talking about varicose veins, which most commonly form in the lower body due to either weakened or damaged valves.

Nobody Likes Varicose Veins, Here’s How to Get Rid of Them

Though varicose veins can be uncomfortable for some people, at a minimum they're unsightly — and it's these cosmetic concerns that often lead people to seek a fix for them. The good news is that varicose veins are treatable, however, the only way to resolve vein issues is by seeing a qualified vein specialist for treatment. While there are certain things you can do around the home to alleviate discomfort or slow growth, there are no at-home remedies for varicose veins. Here's a look at why only medical treatment is effective, the types of procedures to remove varicose veins and more.

Unfortunately, Only Medical Treatment Is Effective

While it's true that certain home remedies can ease symptoms and even help prevent any varicose veins from getting larger or more uncomfortable, there are no at-home treatments for removing them. You may have heard some rumors that placing tomato slices on your varicose veins can remove them. It's simply not true. There are other rumors out there that claim simple measures can help cure them, which are also not true. The only way to remove varicose veins is to see a qualified vein specialist for treatment.

Slowing The Growth of Varicose Veins

While there are no at-home remedies for curing varicose veins, there are things that you can do around the home to slow their growth or manage any discomfort caused by them. Here's a look at some of these measures:

• Wear compression stockings: These can help improve blood circulation and reduce discomfort.
• Make it a point to elevate your legs: Spend some time each day with your legs in the air. This helps with blood flow and can help alleviate pressure.
• Exercise: Low-impact workouts like swimming, biking or walking are ideal for improving blood circulation throughout your body, especially in your lower extremities. Even just getting up and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting can help.
• Eat right: Eating foods that are rich in rutin can help lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure. Apples, olives, berries, grapes and asparagus are all rich in rutin.
• Other lifestyle changes: While eating right and ensuring you get more exercise can help, setting a goal of losing weight can also help relieve pressure on varicose veins. Obesity is a leading risk factor behind vein development, as excess weight puts more pressure on the lower extremities.

Types of Treatments for Varicose Veins

As we noted, the only way to remove varicose veins is to see a qualified vein specialist for treatment. There are a variety of minimally invasive procedures that may be administered to remove varicose veins. These include:

• Ablation: This is a type of laser treatment that's best used for treating smaller veins. It simply uses a high-powered laser to destroy the vein.
• Vein stripping: This procedure involves making a small incision near the varicose vein, tying it off and then removing it.
• Phlebectomy: This is similar to vein stripping, except it involves making several small incisions near the vein to remove it. It's an ideal procedure for patients with larger veins.
• Sclerotherapy: This is one of the most common ways to treat varicose veins. It involves injecting a chemical into the vein, which works to damage it and the vein lining. Over time, the vein will close up as a result. It's an ideal procedure for use on smaller veins.

Meet Dr. Ives in Fairbanks, AK

For more information on why the only way to remove varicose veins is with a qualified vein specialist, and to view our varicose vein treatment options and meet Dr. Ives in Fairbanks, Alaska, contact our practice today.