Treating Broken Blood Vessels in the Foot: Home Care & When to See a Doctor

Home remedies

* Rest. Keep the affected foot elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling and pain.

* Ice. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and pain.

* Compression. Wrap the affected foot in an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling and pain.

* Elevation. Keep your foot elevated above your heart as much as possible. This will help to reduce swelling and pain.

* Pain relievers. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help relieve pain and swelling.

Medical treatment

If the broken blood vessel is severe, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. Treatment may include:

* Sclerotherapy. This is a procedure in which a solution is injected into the broken blood vessel to seal it off.

* Laser therapy. This is a procedure in which a laser is used to seal off the broken blood vessel.

* Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the broken blood vessel.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent broken blood vessels in your feet:

* Wear shoes that fit well. Make sure your shoes are not too tight or too loose.

* Avoid activities that put stress on your feet. This includes activities such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects.

* Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on your feet.

* Quit smoking. Smoking can damage the blood vessels and make them more likely to break.

* See a doctor if you have any foot problems. If you have any foot problems, such as pain, swelling, or bruising, see a doctor right away.