You may recently be noticing some spider veins on your legs and around your ankles. You have seen other people with unsightly varicose veins and how conspicuous they look. You are determined not to end up that way. If you think your spider veins mean things will just get worse, that’s not the case. In fact, there are multiple ways you can improve your vein health now.
Not Just Ugly and Not Necessarily Inevitable
Just because you are developing spider veins, it doesn’t mean they will progress to the larger ugly varicose veins. For many people they do, but it’s not a given.
Varicose veins are not only ugly, but they can lead to painful bulges in your legs which can be painful and make your legs feel tired all the time. In addition, varicose veins can cause serious
complications like clots. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the medical name for a clot in a deep vein. This can become dislodged and become a pulmonary embolism (PE) which is life threatening.
The good news is there are simple ways to improve circulation and, thereby, improve your vein health.
Get Active
Exercise can do wonders for your vein health. Being overweight causes stress on your blood vessels and can contribute to vein problems. Even just walking can help your muscles to circulate blood better as well as help to drop some pounds.
- Talk with your doctor about the best exercise choices for you. Keep in mind that too much exercise can actually make varicose veins worse. Riding a bike and trying yoga can be helpful.
- Make movement part of every day. Use the stairs instead of an elevator and take a walk during work breaks.
- Be smart about standing and sitting. After 30 minutes of either, get up and move.
- Elevate your legs for at least 15 minutes every day.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
You probably know what is coming next. Drink plenty of water, avoid sugar, and eat more fiber like spinach, beans, broccoli, and whole wheat.
Vitamins C and E are very beneficial for vein health. Bell peppers, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes are great options for vitamin C. Sources of vitamin E include almonds, peanuts, seeds, spinach, and broccoli.
Reduce your salt intake, and get friendly with the Mediterranean diet.
Some Non-Negotiables
Wear compression stockings as they improve blood flow in your legs.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your vein health.
Talk with about your hormone replacement therapy or birth control as they could be negatively affecting your vein health and circulation.
Keep your blood sugar levels in the healthy range if you have diabetes.
See a vein specialist like Vein Center of Brinton Lake in Glen Mills if you are having any complications from varicose veins. Call (610) 579-3516 to schedule an appointment today.
