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Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear most often in the legs and feet. They happen when vein valves weaken or fail, causing blood to flow backward and pool, which makes the veins swell and bulge.
Vein stripping (surgical removal of large veins)
Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
These won’t cure varicose veins completely, but they can reduce symptoms and prevent them from getting worse:
✅ Exercise daily (like walking or cycling) to improve blood circulation.
✅ Elevate your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes a few times a day.
✅ Wear compression stockings — they squeeze the legs gently and help veins move blood more efficiently.
✅ Avoid long periods of standing or sitting — move around every 30 minutes if you can.
✅ Maintain a healthy weight — less pressure on your veins means fewer symptoms.
✅ Diet changes — eat high-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and lower salt intake to avoid swelling.
✅ Massage — gentle massage with upward strokes can help with blood flow (avoid pressing directly on bulging veins).
You should seek medical advice if:
Your veins are very painful, swollen, or warm.
You have sores, ulcers, or skin discoloration around your ankles.
You develop sudden swelling in one leg (could be a blood clot — urgent!).
Symptoms interfere with your daily life or self-confidence.
Dr. Robin Mogere has been actively involved in practicing medicine for the past 30 years and holds an
MBChB from the University of Nairobi and an FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburg.
He previously worked at the Coast General Hospital and Taita Taveta District Hospital. He studied at Guys Hospital for Surgical Training and Specialization, before proceeding to the University of Nairobi as a Lecturer in the Surgery Department. Mr. Mogere has tirelessly served as a board member in the following institutions; Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board, The Nairobi Hospital, and has been the Chairman as well as a board member of the Metro Group PLC since its inception.