Varicose Veins? « Back to Group Discussions

[BubbleMa]

I've had a little varicose vein in my left leg about 3 inches above my ankle (the inside of my leg) for a couple years now.  It itches sometimes, but it's never been a big deal.  Well...the last couple days it's started hurting when I walk.  I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I was in bed for about 5 days straight last week. 

Is it normal if it hurts?  Should I be worried?  What can I do to make it stop hurting?  Besides support hose.  I'll do that if I have to, but I'd really rather not.  I already hobble around like an old lady.  I'd rather not have to dress like one too. ;)

[cookie_]

I'm developing two of them myself. They get a little throbby sometimes. I was told to do keep my legs elevated when possible if sitting or lying down. I remember my prenatal yoga instructor from my first pregnancy recommending these mini-inversions to relieve varicose vein symptoms - basically just propping your legs up against the wall (keep your tush on the floor or on a pillow, nothing extreme) for a few minutes at a time.

I also find that lying down for extended periods makes everything feel worse - SI joint, sciatica, varicose veins. Ugh!

[MeredithA]

I think it is pretty common for them to get irritated. Like cookie already said, elevating your legs/feet may help. Ive never used those compression stockings & don't really know much about them ~ are they for varicose veins? Sorry I'm not really helpful! I'm so glad to hear you are feeling well enough to be starting back with your walking routine though.

[MelyssaB]

Hi BubbleMa!

Normally, when my varicose veins hurt, it's a sign that they are in the process of getting worse (enlarging).

There is really nothing wrong with wearing compression stocking. They make my day so much better. And at this time of the year, you'll be the only one knowing you're wearing them.

There are tons of other things you can do, but I'm not the best expert on the subject. I found a lot of helpful advices on a varicose veins support group called Varistop. I hope it helps.

[Kamiro]

I don't mean to scare you but during one of my pregnancies "wham" over night I had a vein sticking out super far and super enlarged. Now its 6 inches long and sticks out super far.

Fast forward a few years and it has wrapped behind my knee and down the front of my leg you can see broken veins. This vein on my thigh is huge and engorged. Its ugly, I wont lie.

I always wear leggings/support hose on drives. Compression stockings didnt really do much for me and prevention.

Horse chestnut DOES work wonders...but no idea if you can use it during pregnancy, so I haven't.
Basically, if it is hurting...its getting worse.

Originally Posted by BubbleMa 

I've had a little varicose vein in my left leg about 3 inches above my ankle (the inside of my leg) for a couple years now.  It itches sometimes, but it's never been a big deal.  Well...the last couple days it's started hurting when I walk.  I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I was in bed for about 5 days straight last week. 

Is it normal if it hurts?  Should I be worried?  What can I do to make it stop hurting?  Besides support hose.  I'll do that if I have to, but I'd really rather not.  I already hobble around like an old lady.  I'd rather not have to dress like one too. ;)

[BubbleMa]

Well, it definitely did get bigger.  :(  It's not too terrible looking though.  I can live with it.  I'm just glad it stopped hurting.  That was really uncomfortable. 

[Mama2Rio]

i asked my midwife about this because i'm prone to varicose vanes. there's something called "leg support" i can't think of the actual name off the top of my head but if you go to wholefoods or another health store and ask for "leg support" supplement they'll know where to point you. it's also good for hemorrhoids (which i worry about more during pregnancy). i should be going to wholefoods on Saturday to hopefully get a bottle, which my MW said was fine to take. moneys been a little tight so if i can afford it, i'll let you know the brand/name i get. i know it's not comfortable :(

[BubbleMa]

Originally Posted by Mama2Rio 

i asked my midwife about this because i'm prone to varicose vanes. there's something called "leg support" i can't think of the actual name off the top of my head but if you go to wholefoods or another health store and ask for "leg support" supplement they'll know where to point you. it's also good for hemorrhoids (which i worry about more during pregnancy). i should be going to wholefoods on Saturday to hopefully get a bottle, which my MW said was fine to take. moneys been a little tight so if i can afford it, i'll let you know the brand/name i get. i know it's not comfortable :(

Thanks!  Ugh...hemorrhoids!  I'm crossing my fingers and toes I get to avoid those!  Although, the way things are going I'm not getting my hopes up.  I never had any of these issues when I was pg with DD!  No hemorrhoids, no yeast infections, no varicose veins, NOTHING.  I wonder if it's just the difference between pregnancies...or if it's the difference between being pregnant at 20 and being pregnant at 30.  :|