Introduction
Patients are frequently advised to undergo physiotherapy or massage therapy to treat the pain of varicose veins in order to restart healthy blood circulation and ease the venous strain on the legs. Massage improves blood flow and can be very beneficial for people with varicose veins.
How does Physiotherapy work for varicose veins?
Physiotherapy for varicose veins focuses on the malfunctioning valves or damaged veins as a kind of natural healing. About 40% of adults 50 years of age and older get varicose veins on an annual basis. Depending on how severe they are, varicose veins can be treated in a variety of ways, but physiotherapy is seen to be the safest and most natural way to go about it.
Long periods of inactivity in the legs are the primary cause of varicose veins. Physiotherapy stimulates blood flow in the veins and helps them resume their natural rate of flow.
Benefits of physiotherapy for varicose veins
Physical treatment is what physiotherapy is, and there are no chemicals or pharmaceuticals utilized throughout the procedure. Blood circulation is the main benefit of physiotherapy for varicose veins, however, there are additional advantages as well:
- Regular physical therapy helps alleviate pain and edema.
- After spending a lot of time standing, physiotherapy helps to ease stress and leg pain.
- Drugs or invasive procedures are not necessary for the treatment of physiotherapy.
There are 5 popular and efficient physiotherapy techniques for treating leg varicose veins
Wear compression stockings
It is advised to wear compression stockings, which resemble tight socks, near the places where varicose veins are present. When varicose veins are first developing, compression stockings might offer relief. Wearing compression stockings can help prevent varicose veins from getting worse even if they are not a permanent treatment. The stockings apply a tight squeeze to the legs and promote blood flow. It can also ease stiffness, soreness, and leg swelling in addition to these other effects. All age groups can benefit from compression stockings.
Walking
The easiest activity to improve blood circulation in the legs is probably walking. The painful varicose veins symptoms might be greatly relieved by daily, 15–30 minute walks. A good approach to ensure that the legs receive enough blood flow is through walking. People with varicose veins should avoid putting extra strain on their knees by avoiding stair climbing. Instead, they ought to try to walk on soft ground, such as grassy places, so as not to put a strain on their joints.
Swimming
Swimming helps with varicose veins by pushing the obstructed blood out of the legs. While swimming, a person’s posture is horizontal, which enhances the blood flow out of the legs.
Rocking the feet
This basic kind of physical therapy can be carried out while sitting or standing. A person can alleviate their symptoms by just moving their feet if they have a health issue that prevents them from engaging in any other form of physiotherapy or exercise. Rock your feet from heel to toe in a forward and backward motion. You can do this whenever you want and from any place.
Leg raises
Physiotherapy with leg lifts can be quite effective. You can perform leg raises while sitting or reclining on your back.
Leaning against the wall while sitting straightens your back. Lift your legs up against your body at a 45-degree angle. Repeat these actions every day for 20-30 minutes.
Bring your hands close to your legs while lying on your back, palms facing down. One leg at a time, raise it perpendicularly for a minute, then slowly lower it. Apply the same technique to the other leg.
Additionally, you can lift both legs at once, cross them over one another, or move them like scissors.
Many individuals lack a basic understanding of varicose veins. They mistakenly believe it to be a purely cosmetic issue, which is not always the case. Varicose veins can cause redness and pooling in the calf and ankle if they are not treated in a timely manner. A condition known as superficial phlebitis, which can be highly painful, can develop as varicose veins get worse. Through physical therapy, these disorders can be kept from becoming harmful.
Even while varicose veins cannot be prevented, they can be controlled. In addition to these physiotherapy methods, you could attempt the following:
- – Maintain an ideal weight.
- – Regular exercise will strengthen your calf muscles.
- – Raise your feet off the floor while seated.
- – Stay well clear of wearing high heels all day.
- – Alternate your standing and sitting positions frequently.
