Got varicose veins? If you are a woman, have a family history of varicose veins, are getting older, and smoke, your answer is probably yes. Unfortunately, these and other conditions increase your risk for developing varicose and spider veins. Lack of movement is another reason they develop. Sitting all day? Here are ways you can prevent varicose veins.
Formation Of Varicose Veins
A quick understanding of how varicose veins form may be helpful. As you get older, veins become weaker and are not always able to move blood to the heart as efficiently as they once did. Vein valves malfunction and do not close appropriately allowing blood to flow backwards causing it to pool, especially in the legs.
This leads to varicose veins and spider veins developing in the legs, feet, and even on the face. It is important to have them checked on a regular basis to prevent more serious issues like blood clots.
So what are some of the ways you can prevent varicose veins from forming in the first place or getting worse?
Walk, Walk, And Walk Some More
If you have a job which enslaves you to a desk, you don’t have to stay chained to it all day. Move around every so often. Take breaks, use your lunch time to take a short walk, or use a standing desk for part of your day. This will help your leg muscles contract and keep the blood going and flowing in the right direction.
It’s not helpful to stand up too much either. Change from a sitting and standing position on a regular basis. Mix it up.
Keep Exercising
No matter your age, you should maintain some type of exercise schedule. Cycling and swimming are good choices. Try yoga, which invites you to do inversion moves where your feet are higher than your heart. Yoga will also help to stretch and tone the calf muscles and hamstrings which serve to assist the vein valves to work better.
Skip The High Heels
Most smart women have already learned that high heels might make you look good, but they are bad for your health. If you must wear them, do so for short periods of time.
Whenever Possible, Elevate Your Legs
Whenever you are relaxing, put your legs up above your heart. Best practice is three times per day for at least 15 minutes to help with circulation.
Talk With The Vein Center at Brinton Lake in Glen Mills, PA About Compression Hosiery
It is important to get the right strength hosiery so a conversation with your physician is helpful before you make a purchase. It might make sense to ask about a prescription for compression stockings.
Make Some Lifestyle Changes
If you are overweight, make a real effort to lose some of those pounds. Stop smoking!! Choose a high fiber diet with low salt. Drink lots of water, of course.
Improving your circulation and muscle tone can help to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or preventing additional ones.
Request a Vein Screening
Contact The Vein Center at Brinton Lake at (610) 579-3516, or request an appointment online, to learn about minimally invasive treatments if you are unhappy about the appearance of varicose veins or the discomfort.
