Can Varicose Vein Pain be Eliminated?

Can Varicose Vein Pain be Eliminated?

It is the end of a long day, and suddenly you realize that the varicose veins that you barely considered this morning are working hard to get your attention. They ache, and your legs feel heavy and are getting swollen. Especially if you have been ignoring them all day, it is important to give your legs some attention, both for your immediate comfort and for your long-term health.

Much of varicose vein pain is caused by the pressure exerted by distended veins on the surrounding tissue. This pressure can be exacerbated by inflammatory agents your body releases in response to this injury.

Your Best Option for Minimizing Varicose Vein Pain

If you are experiencing pain associated with your varicose veins, you may need the help of a qualified vein specialist to determine whether your vascular health is at risk. After an examination, they may be able to recommend a minimally invasive procedure that will ease your discomfort, or even eliminate your pain.

 

Arizona Vein Specialists

 

In the meantime, there are some simple short-term solutions for varicose vein discomfort. They take a little time and effort, but they can be worth it.

Varicose Veins Home Treatment

The first thing to do is take a load off, elevate your legs. Lifting your feet, so they are level or slightly elevated above your heart helps to move out blood that has been pooling all day. It also takes some strain off your heart.

After that, do everything you can to keep things moving. Staying active will help to prevent pooling blood from exerting painful pressure on your muscles and skin, and will help minimize the collection of metabolic waste products collecting in distended areas.

  • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. As much as possible, move around throughout the day.
  • Avoid tight clothing and don’t cross your legs when sitting.
  • Compression stockings that are prescribed by a vein specialist may offer some relief, and further, improve venous return as you go about your activities.
  • Alternating warm and cool compresses on the area can help to move the excess fluid that has become lodged in the tissue of the lower limbs and is exacerbating your pain.

Take care of the inflammation

Histamines and other inflammatory agents that your body releases in response to the trauma of varicose veins can increase your pain. While oral medications are not typically prescribed for varicose veins, some doctors recommend anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen to deal with discomfort. However, these medications can take their toll on the stomach, as well as the liver and kidneys.

Some experts suggest naturopathic pain relievers, such as Horse Chestnut, Arnica Montana, and white willow bark for their anti-inflammatory and blood vessel dilating properties. Before you try them, ensure that these substances do not interact with any other medications you may be taking.

Consider your diet

Eating a balanced diet is essential for health and healing, and, as such, can help to minimize varicose vein discomfort. On the other hand, eating a diet high in inflammation-causing foods, such as sugar, trans fats, and allergens, can have the opposite effect, increasing pain levels and other symptoms.

Watch out for signs that your varicose veins are getting worse. If your varicose vein pain suddenly becomes intense or is accompanied by localized redness, swelling and heat, please seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Varicose Vein Pain Next Steps

Keep in mind that if you are experiencing pain or other symptoms associated with varicose veins, and homeopathic treatments don’t provide relief, you may be one of 30 million American men and women who are affected by Venous Reflux Disease, or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

Consider getting a complete venous evaluation and possible treatment from a qualified vein specialist to defend against varicose vein pain and ensure your long-term vascular health.

Do You Qualify for a Varicose Vein Procedure at AVIA?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Mar 1, 2018 | Comments Off on Do You Qualify for a Varicose Vein Procedure at AVIA?

Advanced Vein Institute of Arizona is proud that our offices are staffed with only board-certified providers. To help them determine whether you might benefit from a minimally invasive vein treatment, please answer these questions:

Read More

Are Your Legs Ready For Spring Break?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Feb 22, 2018 | Comments Off on Are Your Legs Ready For Spring Break?

Vein Treatment It is easy to forget about unsightly veins in the winter time when leggings and sweats are worn almost 24/7. In addition, the cooler weather helps to mitigate symptoms such as fatigue, heaviness, cramping, and swelling; all indications of underlying venous insufficiency. With spring right around the corner, now is the time to…

Read More

Don’t skip the cranberries!

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Dec 13, 2017 | Comments Off on Don’t skip the cranberries!

As you navigate your way through the barrage of holiday parties this season, it may be difficult to decide on certain indulgences. The general recommendation here at Advanced Vein Institute of Arizona is everything in moderation. However, there is one thing on a lot of holiday tables that can benefit your vascular health…cranberries! Due to…

Read More

IRONMAN is coming to Arizona, are you ready?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Oct 12, 2017 | Comments Off on IRONMAN is coming to Arizona, are you ready?

You have put in all the hours of training in the water, time in the saddle and on the road; read and studied nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention.  IRONMAN Arizona is less than 6 weeks away, and yet something might not be completely dialed in.  You are stronger and more fit than you have ever…

Read More

Improve circulation in your legs while binge watching

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Sep 27, 2017 | Comments Off on Improve circulation in your legs while binge watching

Binge watching your favorite series or games this week? . . . Avoid painful legs! Are you in to Game of Thrones or the Handmaid’s Tale? Maybe you are an avid NFL or MLB fan and can’t wait for a day to lounge around and catch up on the series, or binge all the games…

Read More

Is Varicose Vein leg pain keeping you from dancing with the stars?

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Sep 6, 2017 | Comments Off on Is Varicose Vein leg pain keeping you from dancing with the stars?

Dancing with Varicose Veins Has leg pain kept you in your seat and off the dance floor these days? You may have eliminated dancing because of symptoms associated with vein disease. Vein disorders are not always visible to the naked eye. Varicose veins or venous disease can cause aching legs, painful or restless legs, as…

Read More

What is PVD – Peripheral Vascular Disease?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Aug 24, 2017 | Comments Off on What is PVD – Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Peripheral Vascular Disease: Not Always Just An Artery Issue When the term peripheral vascular disease (PVD) comes up; it is a common misconception that this refers to just arterial disease. PVD refers to both the arterial and venous circulation. Arteries in the legs carry blood from the heart to the toes (periphery), and veins carry…

Read More

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Aug 10, 2017 | Comments Off on Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

VARICOSE VEINS, VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY AND LEG ULCER TREATMENTS Insurance coverage is always dependent upon benefit eligibility, as outlined in your specific benefit plan.  Some employers have chosen not to cover varicose vein treatment specifically, so be sure and check with your human resources department or call the toll-free number on the back of your insurance…

Read More

Vein Removal or Vein Stripping Recommended?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Aug 1, 2017 | Comments Off on Vein Removal or Vein Stripping Recommended?

Times have changed – There are alteratives to painful vein removal surgery Gone are the days when your only remedy for varicose veins was vein removal or vein stripping. Our in-office procedures are the gold-standard. If you are scheduled for a procedure and would like to know what other options are available, call today for…

Read More

Sorry I put off varicose vein and venous leg ulcer treatment

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Aug 1, 2017 | Comments Off on Sorry I put off varicose vein and venous leg ulcer treatment

HERE’S HER STORY: Magdalena, a 63-year-old retired woman that has lived with painful varicose veins and CVI since the 1970’s. She had vein stripping in the 1970’s and laser thermal ablation in 2010 which both left her traumatized and fearful of any further treatment.  In late August, 2016 she reached a point where she had…

Read More

About Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP

Jason is the Practice Administrator and CEO of Advanced Vein Institute of Arizona. Mr. Babcock brings over 30 years of healthcare administration experience to the organization with a strong background in finance, business development, operational improvement and customer service to AVIA.