7 Beneficial Ways to Prevent Varicose Veins
Varicose veins and vein disease are among the most common health problems in the United States. They can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, as well as affect your quality of life.
There are many ways to prevent these problems, so in this article, we will discuss 7 beneficial prevention methods for varicose veins and vein disease in detail.
What are varicose veins and vein disease?
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that can often be seen just below the surface of the skin. Vein disease or venous disease is a general term used to describe any condition that affects veins. Vein disease can include varicose veins, as well as other problems such as spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and blood clots. When blood clots are found in the deep vein system, they can lead to dangerous complications including pulmonary embolism.
There are many different causes of vein disease, including genetics, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged sitting or standing. Other causes include age-related changes in the valves inside veins, which help carry blood in the right direction when they are healthy. When these valves malfunction, blood can flow backwards in the wrong direction, building up in the veins and surrounding tissues. This increased pressure inside of the veins can lead to varicose veins and other problems.
Symptoms of varicose veins and vein disease
It's important to know what to look for when it comes to varicose veins and vein disease. Here are some common symptoms:
Heaviness or aching in the legs
Swelling of the ankles and calves
Restless legs syndrome (a condition that involves an uncontrollable urge to move the legs)
Cramping in the calves
Skin discoloration, especially in the lower legs and ankles
Ulcers on the skin
Redness or warmth
Pain in the leg that does not go away
If you have varicose veins and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact a vein doctor for a diagnosis. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious conditions such as chronic irreversible swelling or skin ulcers.
7 beneficial methods for preventing varicose veins and vein disease
There are many methods for preventing varicose veins and vein disease. Some of the most beneficial methods are:
1. Exercising regularly. There are several reasons why regular exercise helps prevent varicose veins. First, keeping active prevents excess weight, which in turn eases the strain on your veins and makes them less likely to bulge or become abnormal.
Furthermore, working out improves circulation throughout the body. One of the ways that exercise improves circulation is by strengthening the muscles in the calf. When calf muscles are activated by movement, they act as a “second heart” that helps pump the blood in the legs back up through the veins.
2. Wearing compression stockings. Compression stockings function by applying pressure to the veins, which improves the circulation by keeping the blood moving in the right direction without pooling in the lower legs.
Compression is an excellent preventative measure for those who are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins such as pregnant women, overweight individuals, or those with family histories of vein disease. Different styles, sizes, and levels of compression strength exist, so make sure to select a pair that is optimal for you in terms of comfort and effectiveness.
3. Elevating your legs when sitting or lying down. When you are sitting or standing for long periods of time, gravity can slow down blood return in the legs. Over time this can lead to vein disease and varicose veins.
To help the blood in your veins flow more easily back up to your heart, try elevating your legs throughout the day. To get the most benefit from elevating your legs, your ankles will be at or above the level of your heart.
4. Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time. If you frequently sit or stand for long periods, it puts extra internal pressure on your veins which can then cause vein problems, such as varicose veins, spider veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
To maintain your health while sitting down for long periods, try to stand up and move around at least once an hour. If you have to remain in your seat, try doing gentle ankle and foot exercises while you're seated.
5. Quitting smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoke increases the risk of vein disease and can make it harder to treat if you already have it, in addition to being harmful for your overall health.
6. Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet is important for overall health, including vein health. A diet rich in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids strengthens the vein walls, which lowers your chance of developing vein disease.
7. Taking breaks often to move around and stretch. Taking a break and moving around is good for your circulation, and it can also help to prevent dangerous blood clots.
On top of that, stretching can assist in loosening up restricted muscles and joints, and it might help enhance your flexibility. There are various stretches you can do; look for ones that are suitable for your ability and fitness level. Make sure to add some easy stretches to your break schedule.
These are just a few of the many methods for preventing varicose veins and vein disease. Talk to your vein specialist about what would be best for you.
Treatment for varicose veins and vein disease
There's no surefire way to prevent varicose veins, but these methods may help. If you do develop varicose veins, however, here are some treatment options:
Sclerotherapy - The purpose of this procedure is to close damaged veins by injecting a solution into them. Over time, the body then reabsorbs the veins that have been closed.
Phlebectomy - This technique uses special instruments to remove veins through a few small "micro" incisions.
Endovenous Laser Therapy - A laser fiber is inserted into the damaged vein, releasing heat energy to seal the vein closed as the laser fiber is removed.
Now that we’ve looked at some of the prevention methods for varicose veins and vein disease, it’s important to remember that there are many things you can do to keep your veins healthy. By following these prevention methods, you can hopefully reduce your risk of getting varicose veins. If you have any other questions about preventing vein disease or want more information on how to keep your veins healthy, consider the vein specialists at Elmore Medical who can develop a specific treatment plan for you.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.