Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins that usually appear close beneath the skin of your legs and feet. They may be blue or purple and are often lumpy or bulging in appearance, making them unsightly. The aesthetic factor is the primary concern for most people with varicose veins. However, sometimes varicose veins can cause pain, necessitating medical treatment. Atur Kasha DO uses several effective treatments to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. If your varicose veins are not causing any symptoms, the following are some tips to help you prevent them from worsening.
Make exercise part of your routine
Your leg muscles are your biggest allies since they help the veins pump blood to the heart. Exercise helps strengthen your muscles because they work against gravity. Walking is the best leg exercise to prevent the appearance of new varicose veins and the existing ones from worsening. Yoga also helps you stretch and tone the deepest muscles in your calves and hamstrings. You can also practice inversion – poses that bring your feet higher than your heart. They include a shoulder stand, headstand, and legs-up-the-wall pose.
Avoid prolonged periods of being in sedentary positions
It is harder for blood to travel in leg veins against gravity when standing or sitting in one position for a long time. When you remain in one place for a long time, the pressure in your vein increases. Consequently, blood pools in the veins in your ankles and feet, resulting in swelling and aching. You can decrease the pressure by moving around for a few minutes. This improves blood circulation and reduces the swelling and discomfort in your feet. If you are stuck at a desk, consider small exercises like stretching your ankles, peddling your feet, and bending your knees. You can also prop your legs on a stool to break the gravity circle.
Lose extra weight
Excess body weight places added pressure on your legs; this may weaken or damage the valves. For this reason, you want to ensure you are within your ideal weight to prevent varicose veins from worsening. Weight loss has other benefits besides helping with varicose veins. You reduce your risk of health problems like type 2 diabetes and hypertension when you lose extra weight. Additionally, you get back in shape, which may improve your self–confidence. You can lose excess weight by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods.
Wear compression hosiery
Compressions stockings squeeze or exert pressure on the veins in your feet and legs, keeping the valves in the proper position. As a result, the valve functions better, and blood does not pool in the veins. Wearing compression stockings during the day results in fewer night cramps, helping you sleep better. Different compression stockings are available depending on the severity of vein damage. Prescription compression stockings provide the most pressure and may help people with severe vein damage. Your healthcare provider will help you determine the suitable compression stockings for you. You need to wear them as your doctor instructs to get the full benefit.
Consult your healthcare provider at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center to know your varicose veins treatment options.
