Simple Yet Effective Ways To Prevent Varicose Veins
Got purplish, protruded, web-like scars on your legs? You might have varicose veins. But what exactly are varicose veins? Are they really something you should be worried about? Moreover, is there a way you can prevent or treat them? Keep reading, and you’ll find all that out.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are observed on the calves or inner leg when your superficial veins enlarge, dilate, or swell due to overfilling the blood. They look purple or bluish, but spider veins that are a mild form of the same ailment appear reddish or blue. In this condition, your legs feel heavy, and your skin becomes tight.
The symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Swelling
- Burning
- Pain
- Itching
- Tiredness
At the end of the day, varicose veins feel painful. They can also cause cramps in calf muscles.
Determining the severity level of the disease is tough by just seeing the symptoms. This is because varicose veins that appear relatively mild can be more painful sometimes.
Some risks associated with the condition are:
- Development of ulcers on the affected spot
- Clotting or severe bleeding
- Other cosmetic issues
Because of these risk factors, it’s vital for anyone suffering from varicose veins to seek care as early as possible. Controlling the disease, then, might be far easier.
Varicose Veins Treatment Options
Around 23% of the US population is suffering from this issue. So it isn’t something rare and unheard of. As long as you seek the proper treatment, you’ll lead a routine life with no worries. Here are some treatment options you can go for.
1. Exercising
Daily exercise promotes blood circulation in the legs. Apart from that, exercising will reduce blood pressure, which is one of the leading causes of varicose veins. You can do swimming, walking, yoga, and cycling. These exercises will also make the circulatory system robust.
2. Compression Stockings
Compression stockings can be used for preventing and treating varicose veins. They put pressure on the legs and ankles to relieve pain. As a result, they help the muscles and veins transmit blood to the heart. If you are looking for simple varicose veins treatment in NJ, opt for compression therapy from a reputed vein disorder specialist.
3. Diet Changes
Making some changes in your diet will lower the effects of varicose veins. Start consuming potassium-enriched foods like almonds, potatoes, leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, or pistachio. Ensure that whatever you are eating does not support water retention. So, strictly avoid salty food. Also, divert your focus from fast foods to fiber-containing foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, oats, wheat, etc.
4. Weight Control
Overweight people are at the risk of facing varicose veins more commonly. Your excess weight puts pressure on the legs. In this case, veins have to apply strenuous efforts to circulate blood to the heart. That is why, when your weight is within the prescribed BMI standard, you’re less likely to be afflicted with spider veins or varicose veins.
5. Herbal Remedies
Grape seed extract will decrease swelling in the lower part of the legs and other symptoms. So, if you want to give herbal remedies a try, this might be helpful. However, people taking blood-thinning medicines are not allowed to eat the extract. A terrible food-drug interaction may occur and cause internal bleeding if you do that.
6. Wear Loose Clothes
When you wear skin-tight clothes, your circulation also gets affected. Of course, wearing something that fits well isn’t going to harm you. But try to wear loose clothes every day as you age. You can reserve those tight shirts and dresses for parties, but avoid them while performing chores.
7. Massage
The treatment process for varicose veins usually revolves around blood circulation. So massage would be an effective treatment for preventing them. Use massage oils or moisturizer and apply it to the spot where varicose veins are most prominent. Be careful while massaging because too much pressure can damage tissues. Always massage gently or consult a vein specialist to receive targeted physical therapy if you can’t figure out the right way.
8. Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting
Sitting or standing for a prolonged time makes your calf muscles lazy. Make some minor movements constantly if you don’t want the valves of your veins to become weak. Weakened valves may cause vein dysfunction and high pressure in the legs and feet. Even 5 minutes of walk is enough for keeping calf muscles active and stronger. So keep getting up and moving around from that work desk of yours!
Conclusion
Don’t be trapped in the discomfort and painful experience of varicose veins. Improve your lifestyle, eating habits, and follow the above ways to prevent or better them. However, if you’re already dealing with a severe case of varicose veins, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vein doctor. They’ll surely guide you to the right treatment option and bring your life back on track.