Originally published May 27, 2022. From our educational archive. Treatment decisions and recovery instructions should be discussed with your own clinician.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that commonly develop in the legs. While many people do not develop other symptoms, some do. Varicose veins, due to their underlying cause and progression, have been known to cause pain, discomfort, and heaviness in the legs. Nobody wants to deal with painful veins in their legs.
It is a worthwhile effort to try to prevent varicose veins from becoming painful. Fortunately, with lifestyle changes, you can prevent the worsening of the condition, since most of its causes are preventable. Let’s talk about how you can prevent painful varicose veins.
#1 Exercise
Low-impact exercises can help improve circulation, and as you know, varicose veins affect the circulation of the blood from the lower extremities back to the heart. Exercise helps push the blood back to the heart and assists muscles with their job of working against gravity.
#2 Avoid Sitting or Standing For Long Periods of Time
Your occupation could put you at risk for varicose veins. Whenever you are sitting for extended periods, circulation is poorly affected, and the muscles struggle to contract and push blood back to the heart. Conversely, standing for long periods can also add to the pressure in your veins and may contribute to the damage of vein valves, causing the varicose vein problem to get worse.
#3 Get Down to a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight or obese, losing excess weight can reduce pressure on your veins. Diets that cause weight gain are often unhealthy – high in sodium and sugar – and also affect vein health.
#4 Make a Habit Of Elevating Your Legs
Try doing this every day – keep your legs elevated. This makes it easier for blood to flow back to your heart. You don’t have to wait until the end of the day, you can do it while you are working, watching tv, or spending time with family.
#5 Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are highly recommended by doctors to patients who want a conservative method of treating varicose veins. There is pressure applied to the veins that improves blood flow and reduces pain and discomfort from varicose veins.
#6 Take a Cold Shower
The cold temperature is good for improving circulation and reducing swelling and the heavy feeling of varicose veins. It can cause the blood vessels to shrink and ease symptoms of varicose veins. The cold weather has been known to improve symptoms of people with varicose veins.
Varicose Vein Treatment in the Tampa Bay area, FL
Board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Edward G. Mackay at Edward G. Mackay and Associates, LLC is a highly sought-after vein doctor in Southwest Florida. Dr. Mackay treats spider veins and varicose veins and has been doing so since 1993 and consistently surpasses our patients’ expectations. We have three convenient locations in the Tampa Bay area – Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Largo.
Don’t hold off on getting expert treatment for painful varicose veins, especially since there are risks associated with untreated symptomatic varicose veins. You deserve to have smooth and younger-looking legs that make you proud. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mackay for your vein treatment options. Call our clinic today at (727) 527-2888 or use our convenient appointment request form.