A huge percentage of Americans will develop some type of varicose veins in their lives. Besides being aesthetically unappealing, varicose veins make daily activities, such as standing and walking, uncomfortable. In more serious cases, varicose veins Upper East Side can result in blood clots, skin ulcers, and even risk amputation of your legs. Although there is no surefire prevention for varicose veins, there are measures you may take to reduce your likelihood and risk factors of varicose vein development. Continue reading to learn more.
1. More Around Frequently During the Day
Individuals who stand or sit for prolonged periods are at a heightened risk of developing varicose veins. Sedentary living increases pressure on the ankles, hips, and legs, which could strain the delicate vein valves and worsen symptoms of vein disease.
Therefore, the first tip for preventing varicose veins is to avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods. If your occupation demands you to sit or stand for long, try taking frequent breaks to stretch your legs or walk around. If you are stuck in one position, massage your ankles, feet, and legs to enhance circulation.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is also key to avoiding the development of varicose veins. Even a few minutes of everyday exercise can reduce hypertension and strengthen numerous aspects of your circulatory system. Try incorporating various exercises into your routine, including swimming, dancing, waking, or jogging.
3. Eat Healthily
You should also check what you are consuming. Avoid foods rich in unhealthy fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars for best outcomes. Reducing alcohol consumption is also advisable. These substances raise blood pressure, which ultimately, affects your vein health.
Besides helping you avoid varicose veins, consuming a well-balanced diet also has numerous health advantages. If you require assistance figuring out a good diet, consult a nutritionist.
4. Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, you should understand that it is not just bad for the veins. Smoking has numerous dangerous health effects, some of which are lethal. For this reason, you should discontinue this habit. Begin by requesting your family and friends for support to help you quit your habit. However, if your issue is serious, you should consult a specialist for recommended smoking cessation programs.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you want to keep off varicose veins, you should also manage your general weight. Being obese or overweight is a significant risk factor for vein illness because extra body weight places added strain on the veins. Besides, associated health concerns like high blood pressure and diabetes can raise your likelihood of developing varicose veins.
Therefore, you should consider obtaining and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) as well as managing any underlying health concerns. If you experience difficulties losing this extra weight, consider joining a supervised weight loss program.
6. Wear Compression Socks
Another expert suggestion on how to avoid varicose veins is wearing compression socks. Compression socks are garments designed to enhance blood circulation in the ankles, feet, and legs, thus, reducing your risk of varicose veins. If you want to use compression stocks, consult your specialist about what type is best for you, and how frequently you should wear them.
If you are struggling with varicose veins, you are not alone! While for many individuals, varicose veins are only aesthetic concerns; they can cause more daunting symptoms if left untreated. There is little you can do about risk factors such as age and genetics, but for others like obesity, and sedentary living, you can take measures to manage them. Try incorporating the suggestions highlighted above to keep varicose veins from developing. However, if these unsightly, bulging, ropey-like veins develop, despite your best efforts, see a specialist for more aggressive therapy.