Did you start 2016 with the resolution of finally shedding those extra pounds? If you are sticking with that goal, you may find the benefits of weight loss are even more far-reaching than you think. Even your veins may reap the advantages of a lighter body, particularly if you have swollen, tortuous veins that are causing you significant discomfort and embarrassment. At Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we have some very good reasons why weight loss might be very good for your veins.
The Problem of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a visible problem that often start far below the surface. Veins are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Tiny valves inside the vessels keep the blood moving in a single direction. When those valves become damaged, blood can pool inside the vein, causing swelling and varicosity.
Once a vein is damaged it cannot correct itself. If it is left unchecked over time, the condition can worsen and cause uncomfortable painful symptoms. Aching, leg cramps and swelling can become severe enough to keep you from enjoying certain activities and the embarrassment of the veins can prevent you from wearing certain types of clothing.
How Weight Affects Your Veins
Your lower leg veins are more vulnerable to this sort of damage because they are taxed with the difficult job of moving blood against gravity back to the heart. When you gain weight, it adds additional strain to the lower leg vessels, increasing their risk for damage. If you gain weight after the varicose veins have already developed, the additional pounds can increase your risk for developing physical symptoms with your veins.
The Weight Loss Solution
Weight loss is an excellent way to relieve some of the stress on your overworked veins in your lower legs. Losing weight before you develop varicose veins may actually decrease the likelihood they will develop in the future. If you lose weight after the veins have begun to protrude, you can lessen your chances for developing painful symptoms or reduce the discomfort of symptoms that have already appeared.
When Varicose Veins Get in the Way of Your Weight Loss
Unfortunately, painful varicose veins can sometimes get in the way of your weight loss efforts. If leg fatigue and pain are keeping you from adhering to a consistent exercise program, you may need to seek out vein treatment before you can reach your weight loss goals. Fortunately, there are a number of minimally-invasive vein treatments today that can eliminate those unsightly vessels and their symptoms without putting a major crimp into your daily life.
At the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we offer a variety of treatments to eliminate both spider and varicose veins. Laser technology, injectable treatments and minimally-invasive procedures have replaced surgical vein treatments of the past that resulted in significant discomfort and lengthy recovery periods. All of our procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and patients are often able to return to their daily activities as soon as treatment is over.
If varicose veins are keeping you from achieving your weight loss goals, don’t suffer any longer. Contact Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin today at 800-910-8346 to find out which vein treatment is the right one for you.