Can You Prevent Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are an embarrassing and sometimes painful condition that typically occurs on the lower legs. These bulging vessels are usually flesh colored and twist up the leg in unsightly, protruding lines. When left unchecked, varicose veins can sometimes cause pain, swelling and cramping, particularly at the end of the day. While there is no way to guarantee these swollen vessels will never happen to you, there are steps you can take to lower the likelihood they will occur.Physical ActivityDaily exercise benefits all the systems of your body, including your vascular system. Veins in the lower legs particularly get a break during exercise sessions, since flexing of the calf muscle aids those vessels in the tough job of moving blood back up the body to the heart. Walking and swimming are two of the best low-impact options for keeping your legs – and your leg veins – in top condition.Clothing OptionsWhat you wear can also impact how your veins will look. Tight clothing constricts blood flow, putting more pressure on the veins. High heels prohibit calf muscles from working properly, which also makes those lower leg veins work that much harder. Keep clothing loose and heels low most days of the week and you just might be able to keep painful veins at bay.Standing and SittingLong periods on your feet place additional pressure on your leg veins, increasing your risk for eventual varicosity. By the same token, too much time sitting behind a desk can also have a detrimental effect on veins. To ensure your occupation or lifestyle habits do not lend themselves to the formation of varicose veins, give yourself a walking break every hour to work your calves and give those hard-working veins a break.Resting LegsYour legs work hard for you all day long, so give them a break at the end of the day by putting them up. When you elevate your legs above heart level, your veins do not have to work against gravity and your body’s weight to move blood back to the heart. This can preserve those veins so they are less likely to become damaged and varicose.If varicose veins have made an appearance on your legs, despite your best efforts, help is available. At the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we offer a variety of minimally-invasive vein treatments to eliminate uncomfortable and unattractive varicose veins with minimal disruption to your daily life. To learn more about your treatment options, contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin at 800-910-8346.