Varicose veins are a common plight among both men and women. Not only are they unsightly, varicose veins can also be quite painful, making day-to-day activities difficult or even impossible. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help prevent the occurrence and exacerbation of varicose veins. While none of them are a guaranteed fix, they may be able to alleviate the problem and help provide relief.
1. Exercise Frequently
Exercise, in the form of walking, running, yoga, and other activities, can be a great way to reduce the risk of varicose veins. By improving circulation within the legs, exercise helps to lower blood pressure and reduce stress on the veins. Yoga is a great way to get the body moving without high impact on your joints.
Do yoga for your whole body instead of focusing on legs, arms, or core, to make sure you tone your whole cardiovascular system and increase circulation throughout your whole body.
2. Avoid Carrying Extra Weight
There is a strong correlation between varicose veins and obesity. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the limbs, forcing the veins to exert more effort when circulating blood. If you’re carrying extra weight, speak to your physician about how to lose the weight in a healthy way. Doing so can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of spider and/or varicose veins.
3. Maintain Good Posture
Poor posture can wreak havoc on your circulation, leading to excess stress and pressure in your veins. Try to maintain good posture and avoid crossing your legs, a common practice associated with constricted blood flow.
4. Don’t Stand or Sit for Extended Periods of Time
You may not realize it, but sitting or standing for long periods of time can weaken blood valves and blood vessel walls. This can result in increased pressure in the veins in both the feet and legs. Studies indicate sitting for too long is linked to a 125% increase in cardiovascular related death.
In order to avoid vein and cardiovascular dysfunction, you should alternate sitting and standing throughout the day. This is especially important if you have a primarily sedentary job.
Get up out of your chair for 5 or 10 minutes every hour to an hour and a half. Walk around the block, do some yoga, or some jumping jacks, to give your body a circulation boost.
5. Elevate Your Legs While Sleeping or Sitting
Keeping your legs raised above your heart will help your body to improve blood circulation and the health of your veins. While you don’t have to do this every time you lay down or sit, it can help improve circulation.
6. Wear Loose Clothing
Tight-fitting clothes, especially around the legs and the waist, can constrict the blood vessels and inhibit proper circulation. To improve vein function and the health of the circulatory system, choose loose-fitting clothing. Additionally, opt for flats or lower heels, as high heels can also have a similar detrimental effect on the circulatory system.
The above tips are ways to help to prevent the onset of varicose veins as well as reduce their severity. While these strategies may help, it’s important to note that it’s always advisable to seek the guidance of a medical professional. Depending upon the extent and discomfort of your vein disease and dysfunction, further medical treatment may be necessary, say the experts at The Sheen Vein Institute.