What are your options diminish Varicose Veins?
Self help
As stated, these can run in the family and if they do there is probably very little you can do to prevent them. However some advice which may help includes:
Losing some weight
If you are carrying some extra pounds this puts pressure on your legs and so a good idea to give your legs and veins a fighting chance and eat a balanced diet. See our Food Pyramid to find out what your diet should ideally contain for health.
Walk
Going for regular walks can also help, as walking improves the blood flow. However, high impact exercises are likely to exacerbate the problem.
Wiggle
If your occupation does require you to stand for long periods of time, try to help the blood to flow around your legs by moving your ankles around as much as possible.
Put your feet up
Also, when you get the chance to put your feet up, ensure that your feet are higher than your head, this will help your veins to empty.
If you can sleep with your feet raised slightly.
Other advice includes avoid wearing hold ups or pop socks. It is best to wear support stockings. These have moved on by miles and are not all American Tangoed.
You may also have to switch to sensible shoes – lace-ups are best as they provide support to the feet. Today there are a lot of innovative shoe brands that develop funky trainers and fashion footwear to deal with posture and circulation so you don’t need to stand out in the crowd anymore.
Nutrition
Eat a low-salt diet rich in high fibre foods. This will reduce the chance of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins.
Eating too much salt can cause water retention, bloating and swelling. Read our take on a sensible diet It’s well known that what you eat reflects in your skin. Eat junk consistently and your skin will, over time show it.
And even if you eat a reasonable diet, the nutrients in food cannot always be guaranteed, so taking a good Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Supplement specifically formulated is good health insurance. Read our take on why take supplements
Go Under Cover
While you may not be able to cover them completely, you can certainly disguise them by using a long wear body concealer and or fake tan. As with most skin problems veins are not as noticeable when the skin is tanned. We think that fake tanning is the only way to go to keep your skin young too. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can be very damaging to your skin and may, in fact, exacerbate any existing problems so faking it is not only safe but prudent.
You should you see your GP if:
- The varicose vein becomes swollen, red, warm or tender to the touch.
- A sore or a rash appears on the leg near the swollen vein
However, as in all vascular conditions you should always consult your doctor before embarking on any self help treatment.
If you are taking HRT already you should also check with your Doctor on correct dosage to make sure that your medication is not making your legs more swollen and so worsening your varicose veins
Professional Help
However if you are looking for a more intensive treatment and if possible a permanent removal, then you may wish to make a choice between Micro-sclerotherapy, Laser Treatment or Surgery.
Micro-sclerotherapy
A treatment which involves injecting a chemical directly into the veins with small needles. This results in the veins sticking together. After about three weeks the veins will naturally disperse, but you may find that you will need a course of treatments. After about three weeks the veins will naturally disperse, but you may find that you need more than one treatment. Of course, as with any procedure, there are possible side effects particularly if the therapist misses the vein, resulting in a skin reaction. Also bear in mind that the results can vary greatly from person to person. There is also no guarantee that a dispersed vein won't come back to haunt you again at a later date, especially if you forget to protect the area.
Laser treatment
This has replaced surgery for deeper veins. This technique is not invasive and can be done in a doctor’s office. Veins on the surface of the skin that are connected to the treated varicose vein will also usually shrink after treatment. When needed, these connected varicose veins can be treated with Schlerotherapy or other techniques.
Surgery
Your varicose veins may become so severe that they require surgery. If you are 
worried about your worsening varicose veins you should consult your doctor first. Surgeons prefer to operate at the early stage of the vein’s development because it is more effective; it will provide a better result. Your doctor may actually recommend that you wear compression stockings if your veins are causing you particular pain or are resulting in swollen ankles. The stockings are really effective but must be worn all day, only being taken off at night.
One of the worlds leading vein experts Dr Newman M.D., F.R.C.S offers a revolutionary treatment that he pioneered called Veinwave™ and this amongst other treatments he offers, after a personal consultation, can rid you of Spider Veins for good. Details of these treatments are available directly from his clinics and on his website www.drnewmansclinic.co.uk