Vein pain may be a result of varicose veins. If you’re asking yourself, “my veins hurt, what can you do?” then we have the answer.
Varicose veins are relatively easy to spot: they are blueish, have a rope-like appearance, and usually affect the legs and feet. These veins affect around 23% of adults in the U.S., with 33 million of those being people ages 40 to 80.
They happen due to a malfunction in the valves of the veins that circulate blood to and from the heart. While many people suffer from the condition, the question is whether they cause any pain in the veins or if the cause is something else.
Symptoms
People with varicose veins may experience discomfort and pain from time to time. However, there is currently no evidence that suggests varicose veins are the cause of this pain.
On the other hand, people with varicose veins may also have less visible damaged veins that can cause extreme pain. When people feel overall discomfort and pain, many factors can contribute to the soreness.
For example, muscle cramps, swelling in the calves and ankles, achiness, throbbing, and burning sensations can all play a part. These symptoms can especially manifest during warm weather as blood vessels tend to dilate during high temperatures.
As the day passes and blood pools around the legs and ankles, the symptoms can also worsen. Lastly, sitting or standing for extended periods of time can intensify the aches and pains.
Treatment
While varicose veins may not be the cause of the pain in your veins, other damaged veins may be contributing to it. To get some relief, you can elevate your legs, exercise and stretch them, and use cold water.
Elevating the legs can offer immediate relief from any aches and pains you may be experiencing due to damaged veins. Place them on top of a stool, chair, ottoman, or table above your heart.
You can also place your feet on top of pillows when sleeping, making it easier for blood to circulate to and from the heart. Moreover, if you want to reduce pain and swelling, you should elevate them for at least 15 minutes.
Exercising and stretching your legs can also help with circulation in the legs. Make sure to flex your calves and feet frequently, especially when sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Move around every 30 minutes, bending your knees and stretching your legs. In addition to stretching and moving, drinking lots of water helps promote circulation, so maintain proper hydration throughout the day.
Using cold water can help blood vessels shrink, which can alleviate inflammation and that feeling of heaviness in the legs. At the end of the day, simply run cold water in your shower and let your legs soak for a bit.
However, it’s important to avoid taking hot baths, including jacuzzis. While cold water can help reduce pain and swelling, hot water can negatively affect the veins and intensify throbbing pain in the legs.
Preventing Vein Pain
Because pain in the veins can be a chronic condition, it’s best to prevent it from happening altogether. One thing you can do to maintain healthy circulation is wear compression stockings.
They help maintain proper circulation throughout the day and help prevent swelling and heaviness around the legs. The best time to put them on is the morning, as they are not as effective once blood pools around your ankles.
You should also avoid wearing tight clothing, high heels, and clothing that constricts blood flow in the body. Lastly, you can add circulation supplements to your routine and help your body maintain healthy circulation.
One of the best supplements on the market is L-arginine Plus, due to its ability to work within the arteries to promote nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a natural molecule that widens the blood vessels and helps overall circulation.
L-arginine Plus contains l-arginine, l-citrulline, and key vitamins and minerals that increase nitric oxide production in the body. If you’re experiencing extreme pain, make an appointment with your doctor as the underlying condition may be serious.
However, if you want to prevent that scenario from happening at all, maintain good circulation by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking L-arginine Plus.