Incredibly simple ways to fight varicose veins and spider veins
Getting older certainly presents us with a whole new set of health challenges. And while some may be quite serious, others are simply annoying, uncomfortable, or unsightly.
Varicose veins and spider veins are quite common as we start to age. In fact, according to the Chicago Vein Institute, "More than 40 million people in the United States suffer from varicose veins."
While not a cause for panic, varicose veins can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. And though spider veins don't necessarily cause pain, they can be just as unsightly.
Fortunately, just as there are natural ways to remove skin tags, there are also several extremely simple ways to get rid of and prevent varicose and spider veins.
This exclusive list of varicose- and spider-vein-fighting methods is perfect for someone like me who doesn't want to pay for expensive creams, treatments, or trips to the doctor.
And while this should never take the place of medical advice, I can't wait to try these tips out. They are so simple, and most of them cost no money at all!
Will you be trying out these easy techniques for fighting varicose veins and spider veins? Let us know in the comments.
Varicose Veins
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
According to WebMd, "Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn."
They generally appear on your legs and can be extremely uncomfortable or even painful.
Luckily, the methods below are perfect for fighting these unsightly veins!
Spider Veins
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
On the other hand, according to WebMD, "Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also appear to twist and turn."
Spider veins can occur on different parts of the body and are not as uncomfortable or painful as varicose veins.
However, many people can be very self-conscious about the appearance of spider veins.
Scroll through below to see just how you can get these unsightly veins to go away for good. These methods are great for battling varicose and spider veins!
Tip #1: Wear Low-Heeled Shoes
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Definitely opt for low-heeled shoes instead of high-heeled ones in order to battle both varicose and spider veins.
Healthy and Natural World writes, "Don't wear high heels, especially heels higher than 3 centimeters."
These veins are often a result of bad circulation, and swapping your footwear could help to improve it drastically.
Tip #2: Elevate Your Feet
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
You can also battle these unsightly veins by relaxing with your feet propped up.
Varicose and spider veins often result from increased pressure on your legs, as well as poor leg circulation.
Varistop writes, "An easy way to reduce the pressure on your legs is to elevate them above your heart."
Tip #3: Wear Compression Stockings
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Wearing compression stockings can be extremely effective in battling varicose and spider veins.
Now Loss writes that they "help improve your circulation by squeezing your legs during the day."
They continue, "You don't need a prescription to wear compression stockings, but only your doctor will be able to tell you how long you need to wear them to reduce the appearance of spider veins.
You can find pretty inexpensive compression socks in a variety of colors here on Amazon.
Tip #4: Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
This natural remedy is reported to be highly effective in battling unwanted veins.
According to Rapid Home Remedies, you should "soak a cloth or gauze in [apple cider vinegar] and place this cloth on your affected area. Let it sit there for about 20 to 30 minutes."
While apple cider vinegar has many healing properties, it can be particularly good at improving blood circulation and cutting down on swollen veins.
You can find apple cider vinegar here on Amazon pretty inexpensively.
Tip #5: Take a Cold Shower
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Particularly if your varicose veins are painful, taking a cold shower can be a great remedy.
Varistop writes, "Cold causes constriction of the superficial veins by direct stimulation of the smooth muscle lining these vessels. It is generally an easy treatment to do within your home."
This method can not only ease pain, but it can strengthen the vein walls, helping in the battle against varicose and spider veins.
Tip #6: Uncross Your Legs
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
You may have heard this one, but crossing your legs actually can lead to varicose veins and spider veins.
Now Loss writes, "Don't sit with your legs crossed for a long time because it can cut off circulation."
Increased circulation is key to eliminating and preventing these veins from popping up, particularly in your legs.
Tip #7: Avoid Tight Waistlines
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
It might sound silly, but wearing pants that are too tight in the waist can have a negative effect.
Rapid Home Remedies writes, "Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially those that may cut your blood circulation around your waist, legs, and groin area."
It might just be time to trade in that old pair of pants for a looser, more comfortable fit.
Tip #8: Drop the Salt
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
You should know by now that too much salt can have a negative effect on your health in many ways.
Now Loss writes that "too much salt in your diet is one of the major causes of spider veins."
Be sure to limit your intake, especially if you are someone who is already prone to varicose or spider veins.
Tip #9: Watch Your Weight
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
We are probably all tired of hearing that we should watch our weight, but weight does play an important role in the development of varicose veins and spider veins.
Varistop writes, "By keeping body weight down to manageable levels, and maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise program, you will be able to keep the pressure on your veins to a minimum."
Tip #10: Add Spicy Foods
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Believe it or not, spicy foods can actually be helpful in fighting unsightly veins.
According to Healthy and Natural World, you should "enjoy a spicy diet. Many spices improve blood circulation, so don't be shy of cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric, onions, and garlic."
Whether you suffer from varicose veins, spider veins, or both, these simple methods can help get rid of them and keep them from coming back.
Will you be trying out these easy techniques at home? Let us know in the comments.
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