Varicose veins, the enlarged and gnarled veins mostly noticeable in legs, ankles, and feet, are not just cosmetic problems but are harmless. However, this condition can harm overall health, causing pain, swelling, discomfort, and, in the worst scenario, phlebitis, ulcer, thrombosis, etc.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent varicose veins from getting worse. Let’s talk about some simple ways to keep varicose veins under control and where you can go to get your circulatory system evaluated and treated in Tampa FL.
Ways To Keep Varicose Veins Under Control
If you have varicose veins or even are at risk for developing them, you can benefit from the following simple methods to help ensure that your varicose vein doesn’t turn into a life-threatening situation.
#1 Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are a must-have if you want to prevent varicose veins from worsening or even developing in the first place. These can support your weakened superficial veins and prevent the blood from pooling by squeezing your veins.
These also help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins, such as pain and swelling. These stockings work best when you wear them every day.
You can buy compression stockings from a durable medical equipment store or ask your vein provider if they offer them in their office.
#2 Exercise Regularly
Exercise, when done right, is literally good for every part of your body including your veins. Exercise, particularly walking pumps blood back to the heart, and can help improve the condition of your varicose veins and prevent existing varicose veins from getting worse.
You don’t have to follow a strict workout regimen to control your varicose veins, but doing something as simple as walking 3 minutes a day can benefit your vein health.
#3 Take a Break from Prolonged Sitting and Standing
Prolonged sitting or standing can pool the blood in your veins and worsen your varicose veins. So, if your occupation involves prolonged sitting or standing, take breaks often and move around.
#4 Shed Your Extra Pounds
Another way to keep our varicose veins from getting worse is to shed your extra pounds. This is because extra pounds increase strains on your cardiovascular system. It increases blood pressure and can further vein deterioration.
#5 Mind What You Eat
Your diet heavily impacts your overall health, including your vein health. For example, consuming too much-processed food in soft drinks, candies, cookies, dairy desserts, cakes, etc., often lead to excess fat buildup in the body, which tend to increase strain on your cardiovascular system.
So, stay away from processed sugars. Also, reduce your salt intake to reduce swelling in your legs.
#6 Elevate Your Legs
Elevating your legs above your heart level is one of the best ways to prevent varicose veins from worsening. Elevating your legs avoids the pooling of blood in the legs. So, whenever possible, place your feet on a chair or stool so that they are raised.
#7 Visit a Vein Doctor
If you notice unsightly veins in your legs or other body parts, along with pain and swelling, seek a vein doctor right away. Your vein doctor can help by giving you tips to prevent varicose veins from worsening and if needed, provide you with suitable treatment for your varicose veins.
Preventing Varicose Veins in Tampa FL
If you have varicose veins that are causing uncomfortable symptoms like pain and swelling, trust our vein doctor, Dr. Edward G. Mackay, for a thorough evaluation and treatment. Our highly skilled, board-certified, and fellowship-trained vein specialist Dr. Edward Mackay will thoroughly evaluate your vascular system and perform safe and effective treatments, including sclerotherapy, laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation (RF missing hyperlink), and varicose vein surgery for your varicose veins.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation with our vein specialist, call us today at 727-349-5652 or fill out this online appointment request form.
