Varicose veins are a common problem but aren’t usually considered a serious health issue. These veins typically form due to weak or damaged valves in your leg veins. When your valves are damaged or weak, some blood flows back and pools into the veins instead of rushing to the heart. Consequently, the veins enlarge, stretch, twist, and appear close to your skin surface. Most people seek treatment for aesthetic concerns rather than bothersome symptoms. However, sometimes varicose veins cause muscle aches, burning, and pain. Even so, this condition hardly requires complex procedures, including San Antonio PICC Line placement for treatment. Most of the time, varicose veins improve with the following.
Regular exercise
Regular physical activity improves blood circulation in your legs and helps ward off vein dysfunction. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily; this can help prevent varicose veins, reduce high blood pressure, and strengthen all aspects of the circulatory system. Focus on leg activities like walking to strengthen your leg muscles when exercising. They are your biggest allies since they help veins in your leg to work against gravity.
Weight maintenance
There is a high correlation between obesity and varicose veins development. Excess weight adds extra pressure to your legs, causing the veins to work harder to circulate blood back to the heart. The added stress can also cause damage or weaken the valves, resulting in varicose veins. Therefore, losing extra weight and staying within your deal weight lowers your risk of varicose and spider veins development. You can discuss with your physician about implementing healthy eating habits and regular physical exercise into your daily routine.
Good posture
Good posture promotes blood circulation. Refrain from sitting with your legs crossed; this restricts proper blood flow.
Leg elevation
Try using pillows are any useful item to prom your legs every time you are sitting or lying down. Elevating your legs above heart levels offers instant relief by taking pressure off your legs. It also boosts your body’s blood circulation and reduces swelling. If you have a desk job, consider using a footrest to elevate your feet or an ottoman while at home.
Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
Long hours of sitting or standing make the calf muscles inactive; this can significantly weaken the valves and veins walls in your legs. Eventually, this leads to vein dysfunction and increased venous pressure in your legs and feet. Therefore, it is best to have a mix of standing and sitting throughout the day to avoid being in one position. Better still, try walking around after every 30 minutes to improve blood circulation in your legs. If prolonged standing or sitting is unavoidable due to your occupation, consider calf exercises, periodic shifts in position, and short walks.
Wardrobe changes
Clothes incredibly tight around the waist and legs can restrict proper blood circulation. Therefore, if your wardrobe mainly consists of such garments, you may want to trade them for soft and loose-fitting apparel. If you regularly wear high heels, consider switching them for low-heeled or flat shoes; this takes the pressure off your feet and legs.
For further questions about varicose veins, consult your specialist at I-Vascular Center.