Can You Prevent Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are twisted or collapsed veins that get pooled with blood. Varicose veins happen because the one-way valves present in the vein get damaged. Varicose veins usually affect the lower limbs, especially the legs. Varicose veins can sometimes be painful and cause discomfort and aches. They can also become severe and cause blood clots and sore ulcers. Varicose veins give a red, blue, and purple appearance. 

There are various risk factors responsible for the formation of varicose veins. Risk factors like age, gender, and family history cannot be influenced to avoid the appearance of varicose veins. Other causes of varicose veins include prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, use of contraceptive therapy, wearing tight-fitting clothes, and obesity.

Your doctor may suggest various treatment and prevention measures to avoid varicose veins from becoming damaging. Varicose vein treatment in South Carolina provides you with state-of-art diagnostic, treatment, and recovery approaches. 

Things to do for prevention of varicose veins:

1. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing –  

Being in the same position for several hours can affect the blood flow against gravity in your legs. This puts pressure on your veins. Instead, take small breaks from sitting and standing for several hours. While sitting, do stretching exercises of legs and ankles. Try peddling practices for a few minutes while sitting.

2. Elevate your legs –

Keeping your legs elevated above the heart for around 15 to 20 minutes increases the blood flow in the legs, therefore, preventing varicose veins. 

3. Invest in compression clothes-

The doctor may suggest wearing compression stockings or stocks for a few days. Compression stockings help your veins to be in the correct position. Blood pooling, swelling, and pain can be decreased by wearing compression stockings or socks. 

4. Regular exercises –

Various exercises help you prevent varicose veins from worsening. Walking is the preferred exercise to keep varicose veins in check. Activities that elevate your legs above the heart like inversion, headstand, and some yoga practices can also help reduce varicose veins. 

5. Healthy living- 

Foods having high fiber and potassium should be included in the diet. Being hydrated throughout the day is also essential. Avoid consumption of high salt content foods. 

6. Try to lose weight if obese- 

Being overweight can put higher pressure on veins of legs and increase the chances of varicose veins formation. 

7. Change sleeping positions in pregnancy – 

Pregnant women experience high pressure and many hormonal changes that can cause varicose veins. They can, however, ease the symptoms of varicose veins by sleeping on their left side. The position reduces the pressure exerted on the pelvic area by the growing uterus. 

8. Avoid tight-fitting clothes –  

Do not wear tight-fitting clothes that put pressure on the legs and affect blood circulation. 

Read more: 7 Exercises to Strengthen the Lower Back and Reduce Pain