In the United States alone, varicose veins - gnarled dilations of blood vessels that develop primarily in the legs - affect about half of the adult population. They are usually caused by pressure in the veins which, over time, weakens the blood vessel walls. For many people, varicose veins and varicose veins (smaller varicose veins that form on capillaries) are just annoying pains, but sometimes they can also make simple actions like walking or standing extremely painful and, in extreme cases, they can even cause skin ulcers. While there is no surefire way to prevent them from forming, there are several things you can do to reduce the chances of them developing. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Basic Preventive Measures
Step 1. Learn about the risk factors
Some people are more prone to developing varicose veins than others. Knowing which risk factors facilitate their development will help you choose healthy lifestyle habits. If you are among the most at risk categories, you should consult with your doctor to consider how to manage the problem.
- Age. Age is already a significant factor in the formation of varicose veins. Aging, in fact, causes the veins to lose elasticity and their internal valves begin to no longer function in the most efficient way; consequently varicose veins can develop.
- Gender. Women are most at risk, mainly due to hormonal changes that occur in female bodies, such as menopause and pregnancy.
- Genetics. If one of your immediate family members has varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them too. If you were born with weaker vein valves, you have a higher risk.
- Obesity. Being overweight can put a lot of extra pressure on the veins and consequently facilitate the formation of varicose veins.
- Sedentary lifestyle. If you stand or sit still for long periods, you may be at an increased risk of developing varicose veins. Staying in one position for too long puts additional pressure on the veins, which in turn has a harder time pumping blood to the heart.
- Trauma to the legs. If you have suffered trauma or injury in the past, such as blood clots, varicose veins are more likely to form.
Step 2. Maintain a normal weight
Excessive body weight puts unnecessary pressure on the legs and circulatory system. If you are overweight, you need to lose weight to reduce this pressure and lower the risk of developing varicose veins.
Step 3. Develop healthy eating habits
Avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and eat a high-fiber diet instead. Some studies have found a correlation between low-fiber diets and the development of varicose veins. Following a diet with many fibers also helps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Avoid adding salt to foods whenever possible. Even a lower consumption of salt helps to reduce the swelling of varicose veins, as it lowers the body's water retention
Step 4. Exercise regularly
Walking and jogging improves circulation in the legs and good circulation helps prevent the development and worsening of varicose veins. Exercise also reduces general blood pressure and strengthens the entire circulatory system.
Running is also useful for preventing the appearance of these annoying imperfections, as it improves circulation in the lower limbs
Step 5. Stop smoking
Smoking contributes to many health problems. Research has shown that hypertension associated with smoking also eases varicose veins. Smoking is also related to "venous insufficiency of the lower limbs", as the blood does not flow properly and stagnates in the legs.
Step 6. Avoid taking high estrogen birth control pills
Prolonged use of this contraceptive containing high levels of estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk of developing varicose veins; HRT can also have similar effects. Talk to your gynecologist to find the best solution for you.
- Prolonged use of estrogen and progesterone can weaken the valves in the veins and impair circulation in the legs.
- Low-dose estrogen contraceptives are less likely to cause varicose veins or blood clots.
Step 7. Try not to expose yourself too much to the sun
In fair-skinned people, excessive sun exposure can cause varicose veins or varicose veins, not to mention other health problems and risks, such as the possibility of developing skin cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you always wear sunscreen when going outdoors. Try to stay in shady places during the central hours of the day when the sun is at its highest
Method 2 of 3: Taking Care of Your Legs
Step 1. Avoid standing for too long
Staying in place for an extended time increases venous pressure in the legs and feet. Over time, this pressure weakens the blood vessel walls, as a result of which existing varicose veins can worsen and new ones can also develop.
Since prolonged standing is almost unavoidable in some workplaces, you can try to reduce the damage by changing it as often as possible. Try to walk at least every 30 minutes
Step 2. Sit correctly
When sitting, keep an upright posture and do not cross your legs. Good posture improves circulation, while crossed legs can restrict blood flow to and from the legs.
Avoid sitting for long periods of time without taking breaks. Get up every half hour or so, in order to stretch or walk a little
Step 3. Keep your legs elevated when you can
Relaxing and "lifting your feet" can help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. Try elevating your legs above heart level for 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This helps improve circulation and reduce pressure.
- If you can, try to keep your legs elevated even when sitting or sleeping.
- Other techniques involve using an inversion bench or even simply lifting the footboard of the bed so that your feet are slightly higher than your head when you sleep. However, consult your doctor before implementing these methods.
Step 4. Create a new wardrobe
Improve lower body circulation by avoiding wearing tight-fitting clothing. Pay particular attention to avoiding clothing that is too tight on the waist, on the legs and in the groin area. Clothing that is too tight can aggravate existing varicose veins and increase the risk of developing new ones.
Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes instead of high heels. Flat shoes help tone the calves, which in turn helps blood circulate better in the veins. Make sure the footwear is suitable for your feet, so as not to cause crushing or strain
Step 5. Put on the compression stockings
If you notice varicose veins forming, try wearing compression stockings or knee-highs regularly. These aids can be purchased in orthopedics stores or pharmacies and are available in different forms and compression modes. Ask your doctor for more details before buying or wearing these socks.
- Use a tape measure to measure your legs to get the correct size socks. This type of stocking must provide constant compression, but without over-tightening.
- If you have to take a long plane trip, discuss with your doctor the advisability of wearing knee-highs. This aid can help reduce pressure on the legs and can help prevent existing varicose veins from worsening.
Method 3 of 3: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of varicose veins
They don't usually cause serious health problems; however, they can cause discomfort, pain and embarrassment. You can talk to your doctor for guidance on how to manage and treat varicose veins, even if they do not pose a health hazard. The most common symptoms you may notice are:
- Pain and aching in the legs
- Pulsations or cramps
- Feeling of heaviness or swelling in the legs
- Itching, irritation or hyperpigmentation of the skin;
- Restless Legs Syndrome.
Step 2. Know when to see your doctor
Although most varicose veins pose no serious health threat, sometimes this ailment can cause more serious problems that need to be treated with medical attention. If, in the presence of varicose veins, you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:
- Sudden swelling of the leg
- Redness or warmth around the vein
- Change in thickness or color of the skin
- Bleeding on or around a varicose vein
- Soft touch swelling on the leg;
- Open sores or ulcers.
Step 3. Consider other treatment options
If the home changes you make in your life don't help reduce varicose veins, you can consider other possible solutions. Talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.
- Sclerotherapy. It is the most common treatment for this type of problem and consists of injecting chemicals into the varicose vein, which swells. After a couple of weeks, the vein turns into scar tissue and then fades away. This procedure can usually also be done at the doctor's office.
- Laser surgery. This is a less common technique, as not all skin types and colors can be safely treated with this method; it is also usually not effective for veins larger than 3mm.
- Intravenous techniques. These are indicated for cases of severe varicose veins and are performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
- Surgery. Surgeries are typically reserved for treating very large or very severe varicose veins. Consult with your doctor to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for your specific case.
Advice
- While varicose veins typically aren't a serious health concern, they can be a sign of potentially more damaging problems. If you notice varicose veins developing, take the opportunity to undergo a full medical check-up and analyze your health with your doctor.
- Varicose veins are more common in women, but they also affect a large number of men. Over the years it becomes more and more likely to develop them, but they can in any case form at any age, even for a hereditary issue.
- If you have private health insurance, find out if the treatment of varicose veins is covered by the policy. The National Health Service generally only treats the problem if it involves serious health risks, as it is usually considered more of an aesthetic issue.
- Compression garments with Velcro that use anklets are even easier to put on and may be a better solution for some people.
- From some anecdotal testimonies it appears that apple cider vinegar wraps can help relieve the discomfort of varicose veins; but it is more likely that the elevation of the leg, massages and compression are more likely to help soothe the disorder, not vinegar. To date, no studies have found apple cider vinegar to be an effective treatment for this disorder.
- Contrary to popular belief, a topical application of almond oil does not help blood circulation and is not a scientifically proven treatment for varicose veins. However, eating almonds appears to be a solution that can improve blood pressure and blood flow.
Warnings
- It is not recommended to try to "dissolve" a varix with any form of manual therapy, such as massage or vibration, as it could cause an embolus, which can become blocked in the capillaries of the heart and cause a heart attack. Emboli can also travel to the brain and cause a stroke, or to the lungs and cause respiratory arrest; all of these can cause serious health problems or even death.
- Beware of expensive, unconventional therapies. While most of these "treatments" are harmless, most of the time they are also ineffective. The same can be said of herbal supplements whose manufacturers claim they cure varicose veins. Some supplements can actually help prevent or treat the problem, but there are few scientific studies that support these therapies. Many manufacturing companies make claims that are not proven. Always talk to your doctor before taking a herbal supplement. Doctors are not always able to confirm or refute the claims of a herbalist, but they should be able to assess the potentially harmful side effects of some herbal preparations.
- See your doctor immediately if a varicose vein begins to bleed, if you experience sudden pain, swelling in the legs or feet, if you notice a lump developing in the area of a varicose vein.
