If you have varicose veins, you’re not alone. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, up to 35% of adults in the U.S will get them at some point in their lives. Also referred to as spider veins, these unsightly, blue and purple veins most commonly appear in the legs and thighs. While they are usually harmless, they can cause pain in some people, including a burning or throbbing sensation in the legs. If you struggle with discomfort due to spider veins, try some of the pain-relieving tricks below.

How to Ease Spider Vein Pain

1. Elevate Your Legs

Elevating your legs can provide relief from discomfort due to spider veins because it makes it easier for your blood to flow from your lower body to your heart. You can stretch them up against a wall, for example, or lie down in bed and use a couple of fluffy pillows to prop them up. Spending 15 minutes in this position can help bring down the swelling in the legs and reduce feelings of achiness, heaviness, and pain.

2. Exercise Regularly

Varicose veins form when weak or dysfunctional valves in the veins are unable to pump blood back to the heart. The blood then collects in the veins and becomes visible through the skin.

Participating in regular exercise—even low-impact activities such as walking, jogging, or biking—can push along the dormant blood, improving circulation and helping to alleviate pain in the legs. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, which can also be a cause of varicose veins.

3. Use Cold Therapy

If spider veins make your legs feel swollen and heavy, place an ice pack on the affected area for about 20 minutes. Because cold temperatures cause blood vessels to shrink, this can help ease pressure and the overall feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the legs with painful varicose veins.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce spider veins, contact Lauren A. Daman, MD, PC in Hartford, CT. Dr. Daman and her team of expert dermatologists offer laser surgery to permanently remove spider veins and the pain associated with them. They also provide Botox®, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and other state-of-the-art cosmetic and medical treatments to help improve the look and feel of your skin. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (860) 246-3533.