If your legs have been tingling when you wear tight clothing, sit for too long, or cross your legs, you could have varicose veins. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that usually develop around the feet, ankles, and behind the knees. They can be extremely painful, and unsightly. Luckily, there are some things can do to reduce the swelling, and alleviate the discomfort. Here are just four of they ways you can treat your varicose veins.

Change Your Diet

When battling varicose veins, one of the first things you need to do is change the way you eat. First, cut back on the amount of salt, and salty foods you eat on a daily basis. Salt causes water retention, which can irritate your varicose veins, and lead to increased pain. It's also a good idea to increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables you eat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of natural fiber, which will help reduce your varicose veins. Not only that, but it also keep your bowel movements regular, and reduce the occurrence of hemorrhoids. According to research, hemorrhoids are similar to the varicose veins you get on your legs.

Get Some Elevation

If you normally relax with your legs planted firmly on the ground, it's time to get some elevation. Instead of sitting with your feet on the ground, relax with your legs elevated. The additional elevation will take the pressure off your legs, and reduce the discomfort of your varicose veins. It's also a good idea to elevate the foot of your bed, so that your legs are elevated during sleep as well.

Reach for the Aloe Vera

If your varicose veins ache at the end of the day, you need to reach for the aloe vera gel. Massaging your sore legs with aloe vera will help stimulate blood flow, reduce the pressure on your varicose veins, and alleviate the discomfort you're experiencing. For additional relief, try soaking in a tub of warm water and Epsom salt. Fill your tub with warm water, and add about ¾ cup of Epsom salt. Soak in the tub for about 20 minutes. The Epsom salt will improve your circulation, so that blood can flow through your veins properly.

Fluctuate Temperatures

If you've got patches of varicose veins that are swollen, and causing you pain, it's time to fluctuate the temperatures a bit. Grab a few ice packs, and a heating pad. Apply the heating pad to your veins for a couple of minutes, and then switch to the ice packs. Continue switching back and forth between hot and cold for about 30 minutes. Your legs will feel much better. If you don't have access to a heating pad, you can soak a wash cloth in hot water, and use that.

Don't let the discomfort of varicose veins keep you down. Use the tips provided here to keep the pain and swelling under control. If the pain worsens, or the swelling increases, be sure to speak to a doctor, such as at Alaska Vein Care, about your varicose veins.