Unfortunately for some of us varicose veins are a part of life. In fact, 50 to 55% of American women suffer from varicose veins at any one time. Some choose to put up with their obvious appearance and the aching pain that they cause, but they may like to read on and find out how to treat and possibly cure their varicose veins.

This condition is caused by long term pressure on the veins at the bottom of the legs and feet. Gravity and carrying weight around means veins become twisted and as a result larger, more pronounced and visible through the skin. As they still need to carry blood from the bottom of the legs and back up to the heart they are still working away, but causing an aching pain too.

One possibility for curing varicose veins is surgery. This involves closing the valve that pumps the varicose vein with blood and then 'stripping' (removing) the problem vein completely. Because varicose veins are superficial (i.e. they are not needed because there are deeper veins working harder within the legs) this operation is not dangerous, but every operation carries risks of complications with anesthetic and infection. Instead, doctors will often suggest alternatives to surgery, if they have not already been tried. These might be wearing thrombo-embolic deterrent stockings to aid blood flow, having foam injections into the veins (also known as sclerotherapy) or ablation therapy (either radiofrequency or endovenous laser) to block the vein from use completely.

If you feel that these measures are too extreme for your varicose veins, or your veins are simply unsightly and not causing you any pain then there are a number of natural treatments you can try. For instance, vitamin E cream protects the blood vessels and helps circulation, so rubbing it on your varicose veins can help to repair them. Exercise is important for people with varicose veins and swimming, cycling and long walks are particularly beneficial. As with anything where exercise is involved, diet plays a part too and people with varicose veins should stop smoking, be avoiding anything too salty and eating lots of fiber. When you are relaxing try to elevate your legs on a leg rest or even so they are above you on the wall, and try not to cross or bend your legs for too long a period of time. Propping your legs up on pillows while you sleep is a great idea. Wearing thrombo-embolic deterrent stockings under trousers at other times will make a difference too. If you are keen to pursue alternative therapies then the herbs Butcher's Broom and Horse Chestnut will improve the circulation, reduce swelling and may even help with the pain of varicose veins.

It's worth visiting your doctor as soon as you notice varicose veins appearing so that you can make a prevention plan as opposed to doing something about them when they become painful and harder to treat. Improve your diet, come off the birth control pill and stop smoking if you do. It's simple things like elevating your legs while you watch TV that will make the difference without hindering any part of your life. Who ever objected to putting their feet up?

Stan Tian

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