Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue. People suffering with varicose veins often experience pain and fatigue as a result of venous disease. While having varicose veins treated is the best way to relieve these symptoms, there are some home treatments you can employ for temporary relief.

Compression Therapy

Compression socks, sleeves, or stockings—when worn regularly—can provide relief from the symptoms of venous disease. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a higher or lower strength of compression. Compression therapy can relieve pain and fatigue caused by varicose veins by promoting ease of blood flow in your body. When blood isn’t having to work so hard to circulate, individuals experience fewer negative symptoms associated with venous disease.

Leg Elevation

If your pain is being caused by varicose veins in your legs, elevating your legs above your waist can alleviate some of the pain you’re experiencing. Pain associated with varicose veins can be caused by blood struggling to make its way back up to your heart from your feet, and elevating your legs above heart level makes it easier for your circulation system to move blood freely through the lower half of your body. When experiencing pain, try elevating your legs for at least 15 minutes.

Juice Therapy

Some experts have asserted that drinking raw juices can help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins. Types of juices that are effective in a raw juice therapy regimen include cherries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapples, and dark grapes. These juices have nutrients that strengthen blood vessels and reduce blood coagulation and clotting, which can improve the condition of existing varicose veins. Raw juices are generally available for purchase at local health food stores.

Massage

While massage is not effective at eliminating varicose veins, it can be effective in reducing or eliminating pain caused by venous disease. When massaging varicose veins at home, it’s important to remember to never massage varicose veins directly. Doing so could cause veins to burst and bleed. Instead, massage around varicose veins to experience relief from unpleasant symptoms. Massage can help eliminate pain caused by varicose veins by improving blood circulation.

Varicose Vein Treatment

While these home remedies can bring some temporary relief from the symptoms of varicose veins, the best way to eradicate all symptoms of venous disease is to have damaged veins treated by a medical professional. Modern treatments can be conducted at a doctor’s office and provide instant and ongoing relief of symptoms. The best part is that individuals who have a reduced quality of life due to pain caused by venous disease may even be eligible for health insurance coverage of the treatment.

If you’re interested in learning more about varicose vein treatments, find a doctor in your area that specializes in venous disease. Ideally, you’ll want to look for a phlebologist—a doctor that takes several years of ongoing education after getting a medical degree in order to study how to best treat venous disorders.