There are a variety of vein treatments for varicose veins and other venous diseases. Board certified vein specialist Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen supports the minimum intervention that will meet each patient's goals for treatment. In some cases, elevation of the legs can alleviate the pain or swelling that is the result of early stage vein disease.
Leg elevation means raising the legs above heart level. The ideal position is to lie on a couch with the back on the cushions and feet up on the armrest, so feet are at a slight angle higher than the heart. Lying down with the legs resting on three or four pillows also works well.
Here are more tips on how to get the most out of this accessible therapy:
• Elevating at intervals throughout the day can encourage blood flow from the legs and decrease the pooling of blood.
• Legs should be elevated as often as possible, for as long as 30 minutes or as briefly as three minutes.
• The morning is a good time to elevate.
• The best time to elevate is after a hot shower, or after standing for a long time.
• A good way to remember to elevate is to pair it with your meals or snacks.
Elevation is a simple, yet powerful, tool that can help improve blood circulation in the veins and provide some relief to venous symptoms. Dr. Asbjornsen believes that elevation is so important for someone with venous disease that at the Vein Healthcare Center recliners and ottomans are provided in the reception area, so that patients can elevate while they wait.
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