Spider veins, which are mostly found on feet or legs (although they can occur anywhere on the body) are veins that are either swollen or twisted due to lack of circulation. These red or blue veins appear as a webbing under the skin after added pressure is put on the body. More common in older women, spider veins are often unattractive as well as difficult to treat. However, there are some alternative treatments besides surgery that people can try to get rid of these unsightly veins.
Several Approachs
Since spider veins are caused by lack of circulation in the legs, many steps can be taken to try to prevent spider veins from occurring in the first place. By elevating your legs on a more regular basis, and not crossing your legs while you sit, you can promote more circulation, which helps prevent and eliminate these veins.
Since extra weight adds more pressure on the body, getridofthings.com suggests that diet and exercise are a cure for getting rid of spider veins. Losing the pounds and adding an exercise routine may help alleviate pressure on the legs, thereby helping the spider veins disappear.
There are several types of medicines and surgeries that people turn to as well to try to get rid of spider veins, including sclerotherapy injections, laser and traditional surgeries. These procedures however can be costly and may be needed to be done several times in order to get rid of the veins completely.
Natural Cures
Some patients may turn to natural remedies to get rid of their spider veins. People can buy compression stockings, which squeeze the legs during the day. Compression stockings are developed to help improve circulation in the legs and come in various strengths. These stockings can be found in surgical supply stores or pharmacies.
Others turn to massage as a cure for spider veins, while some try dietary and herbal supplements. Supplements such as horse chestnut seed extract is known to reduce swelling and inflammation of the veins, as well as stimulating regeneration of the previously damaged veins, according to mothernature.com. Ginko-biloba also helps strengthen veins. If taken three times a day, it can become a natural cure as well.
Diet Away Spider Veins
Eating foods rich in bioflavonoids, such as blueberries, raspberries, grapefruit and oranges, are known to strengthen blood vessels and to help with spider veins.
One way to avoid swelling of the legs and contracting spider veins is to avoid foods rich in salt, since salt causes swelling.
There are a wide variety of ways to get rid of spider veins, and an even wider variety of alternatives. Although surgery may be the most popular way to eliminate them, the alternatives and the preventive measures are cheaper and easier in the long run.