Do you find yourself asking how to get rid of varicose veins? Are you curious about what varicose veins are caused by? If you are looking for a one-stop-shop to have all of your questions about varicose veins answered, you are in the right place.

In this article, we will discuss what varicose veins are, what causes them, which individuals are susceptible to them, and 5 ways to deal with varicose veins.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are commonly seen as wide, dark veins that stand out from the skin. The veins appear to be “twisted”, and often feature a blue/purple color.

Varicose veins are often associated with another vein condition known as “spider veins”, which are thin, “web-like” veins that frequent the leg and face areas.

Varicose veins are rarely threatening or harmful in any way, but they can impact self-esteem. If you are affected by varicose veins and don’t mind the physical appearance of them, there is no need to seek professional help for them.

What causes varicose veins?

Impacting approximately 1 in 3 adults, varicose veins are not an independent signal of a large or frightening healthcare issue in an individual. As mentioned, they rarely progress to the point of requiring medical attention.

Ultimately, varicose veins are the result of high blood pressure. Therefore, individuals who are susceptible to high blood pressure are at a higher risk of having varicose veins. These populations include:

• Pregnant people
• Those who are overweight/obese
• Those who are inactive
• Those who smoke
• The elderly

Other highly susceptible groups are:

• Females
• Those who have suffered a leg injury
• Those who take hormones

5 Ways to Deal With Varicose Veins

Regardless of why you want to get rid of them, there are things you can do to prevent and improve your varicose veins:

1. Make healthy foods a priority

Monitor your diet to see if there are any changes that could be made. A healthy, balanced diet can regulate blood pressure. Ensure you are consuming the following:

• Citrus fruits
• Eggs
• Salmon and other fish
• Beans and lentils
• Nuts and seeds

2. Exercise

This will help to bring down your blood pressure, which will improve swelling of the veins.

3. Compression socks

Compression socks improve blood flow, by applying pressure to the impacted area.

4. Elevate your legs

This is a great way to support healthy blood flow throughout your entire body.

 5. Varicose Vein Removal Surgery

If you continue to struggle with the appearance of your varicose veins, connect with your healthcare professional to learn more about if varicose vein removal surgery is right for you.

If you suffer from varicose veins, know that you are not alone! It is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is in no way an indicator that you have done anything wrong in caring for your health. Thankfully, there are ways to manage varicose veins- ways that will only improve your overall health!