Preventing Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are veins that become twisted and enlarged and are found most often in the legs, affecting approximately ½ of adults in the U.S.  Varicose veins are normally caused because of pressure that builds up over time and the vessel walls will become weaker. For the majority of patients who suffer from varicose or spider veins they are nothing more than an unsightly nuisance but for some people they can become painful when walking or standing and in severe instances, skin ulcers can develop.

To reduce your odds of developing varicose veins there are several steps you can take in their prevention:

• Regular Exercise – To assist in maintaining good circulation you should try to take frequent short walks or jog.  Not only will exercise help with your overall health, the whole circulatory system will become stronger.

• Avoid standing for a long period – If you are forced to stand up for an extended period this will increase the pressure your legs feels and after time, this pressure will allow the blood vessel walls to become weak.  Sometime it is necessary to stand for a long time, however, if you do have to make sure to try to shift your weight from one leg to the other and take a short break to walk for a few minutes if possible.

• Keep a healthy weight – Those who are overweight will put extra pressure on your legs, thus putting extra pressure on your vessel walls making them weak.  If you exercise and eat healthy foods not only will you fend off varicose veins, but your overall health will improve.

• Stop smoking – The health benefits of smoking are absolutely none already, but if you have high blood pressure because of smoking you will also increase your chances of getting varicose veins.

• Prop up your feet – If you have to stand on your feet for an extended period, be sure that when you are able to you prop your feet up.  This will help with circulation and also help your blood move toward the heart as it should.  When you go to bed, you should elevate the foot of the bed keeping your feet higher than your heart.

• Be careful what you wear – Do not wear clothes that fit tightly as this will decrease circulation.  Wear shoes with flat heels and make sure they fit well.

• Sit correctly. Maintain good posture and sit with your legs uncrossed as this will also constrict the flow of blood and can cause varicose veins.

• Wear compression stockings – If you do have varicose veins you should try wearing support stockings.  You can purchase these at any pharmacy but you should consult your doctor first for the right compression amount.  Put these on before getting out of bed and if you do get up before putting them on, lie back down and wait a few minutes before putting them on.

• Medical treatments - While the ideas above can assist in the prevention of varicose veins you might also require medical treatment.  You should talk with your doctor to find out if this is an option that you should consider.