Healthy Living

5 Tips on Living with Varicose Veins

5 Tips on Living with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are bothersome and uncomfortable. Apart from being unattractive, varicose veins are associated with both physical and mental pain. High temperatures during the summer call for relaxed clothing, and varicose veins can prevent someone from living their life happily. Because age is one of the leading causes of varicose veins, many people are affected by this condition and live with it. Since our leg veins always function contrary to gravity, it is normal to see these veins wear out.

The bright side of this is that normally, varicose veins are not life-threatening. Severe health complications hardly manifest as a result of varicose veins. However, seek medical attention if you notice alterations in your skin, engorgement, or severe pain.

Varicose veins can be treated medically. Modern techniques are safer when compared to the methods applied by previous generations. Consult a doctor for treatment options relevant to your condition. Below are tips that can assist in improving the appearance of varicose veins and minimizing discomfort.

1. Use of Compression Stockings

You can improve blood flow in your legs by wearing compression socks or stockings. These stockings have to fit well for them to be effective. Find the correct size for you with the help of a doctor or pharmacist.

2. Avoid Sitting or Standing for Extended Periods

If you remain in the same position for a long time, blood flow to your legs is impeded. Try to move around approximately every 30 minutes.

Do not put your leg on top of the other when sitting and ensure that you elevate your feet. The blood flow in the legs can be slowed down by crossing the legs for prolonged periods of time. Place your feet on an ottoman or a footrest. Cross your feet at the ankles or place them flat on the ground if you are unable to prop them up. While laying down, raise your legs. Blood flow improves when you elevate the legs above your heart. Use pillows to elevate your feet when lying on your back.

3. Stay Healthy

You exert a lot of pressure in your veins if you are overweight, thereby distracting blood flow and worsening varicose veins.

Always stay hydrated since this cools you and enhances circulation. Swelling can make varicose veins more painful, but it can be avoided by staying hydrated.

High levels of sodium in your body can lead to swelling and bloating. For this reason, it is very important to monitor your salt intake. Doing so ensures that the areas affected by varicose veins do not swell in neighboring regions of the body.

4. Be Active

You enhance circulation and improve muscle strength in your legs when you are on the move. You can choose a form of exercise that fits you such as walking, swimming, dancing, or biking. It is recommended to consult a doctor on the best methods of staying healthy and active. Being more physically active will minimize pressure on the veins while raising blood flow, easing the pain, and reducing the visibility of varicose veins.

5. Self-Tanner 

You can make varicose veins less noticeable by darkening your skin with a self-tanner. The bluish-purple color of the veins will be covered by the cream.

Be careful when using other tanning methods such as tanning beds or sunbathing. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer.

Additional Tips

Some of the most common tips and ideas for coping with varicose veins have already been discussed. However, there are some additional tips, which are mentioned below.

It is imperative to know the cause and make sure of the diagnosis before jumping to conclusions. Once varicose veins have been diagnosed, dealing with them can be a tough nut to crack. While every condition or ailment requires treatment that takes it due course, it is a gradual process and must be dealt with at an easy pace.

The dark purplish blue veins can be rather prominent from time to time. The area where they erupt is easily visible and exposed. To avoid further discomfort, there are creams and vitamin doses available over-the-counter, which help ease out the veins. The most common areas affected by varicose veins are the calves, feet, and legs. These areas can be easily covered with light clothing and trousers made of loose fabrics. You call always fall back to your doctor and physiotherapist for instructions. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you are experiencing discomfort.

Regulating Your Daily Habits

As a regular practice, incorporate some fitness exercises into your weekly routine. If you are regularly walking and moving around every few hours, besides following a workout routine, you are aiding your body’s overall health. Age and weight play a huge role in the condition. Individuals who are overweight or obese often suffer from varicose veins. Additionally, varicose veins can cause more trouble as you age. It is important to stay fit from the beginning, follow a good routine devoid of physical or mental stress, and eat a well-balanced diet.

In extreme cases, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure known as ligation or surgical stripping. Another medical procedure for varicose veins is sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of a special solution (generally a salt-based solution) into the vein. This solution agitates the lining of the blood vessel, causing the vessel to collapse and the blood to clot.     

While there are possible corrective measures, living with it in a positive manner is of prime importance. Positivity yields better results in the long run. Stretching your legs while sitting, not sitting in the same place or position for a very long time, and moving around at frequent intervals can bring great relief to those suffering from varicose veins.

These tips can also prevent varicose veins from occurring in the first place. Additionally, avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, especially denim, trousers, or pants. For an obese or overweight person, try and reduce your weight gradually. If you are unable to exercise much, work around your diet instead. Cut down on fats, red meat, and fried foods. Instead, have smaller, healthier meals at frequent intervals.