How to Prevent Varicose Veins?

Have you noticed large, inflamed veins, aches, or swelling in your legs? Are you experiencing restless legs or a change in skin color? If the answer to these questions is yes, you might suffer from varicose veins or venous insufficiency.

There can be various reasons for the development of varicose veins, which include age, family history, obesity, hormonal replacement or contraception or long hour sitting or standing, and many more. A few factors are unavoidable than others, but there are different ways to prevent varicose veins.

If you’re still here and curious to learn more about varicose veins and how we can prevent them with various methods, scroll down to read. Now save money on your prescribed medication with the best prescription Rx discount card and stay worry-free.

What Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels under the skin, especially in the lower body, like the legs. When we sit or stand for long hours, gravity works against the blood flow in our legs. Due to weak vein walls, valves don’t work correctly, and blood flow slows down, causing blood to collect in the vein; this blood accumulation can see as blue and purple bulges in your legs, ankles, or feet.

What are the common symptoms of vein disease?

The following are the common symptoms of varicose veins:

1. Restless legs
2. Swelling in the legs and ankles
3. Burning sensation in the calf or thigh
4. Leg pain, but you feel better when you walk or raise your legs
5. Dry and itchy skin
6. Numbness or tingling sensation in legs
7. Unable to stand for long periods
8. Slow wound healing on your legs

How to Control Varicose Veins in Your Legs?

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent varicose veins completely. However, you can control the existing varicose veins from getting worse. Making some lifestyle changes can help to delay the problem.

 Here are some tips that can work for you.

1. Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged hours

Standing or sitting on a chair for long hours makes it challenging to travel your blood against the gravity in your leg veins. It puts so much pressure on your veins, eventually resulting in the blood pool around your ankles, calves, and feet. Due to this reason, your blood veins get swollen and achy.

You can avoid sitting and standing for long hours and move around. It will reduce venous pressure and enhance blood circulation.

Suppose you have a desk job; you can do the following exercise:

1) Ankles stretching

2) Feet peddling

3) Knees bending in a “marching-like” manner

Besides this, raise your legs against the walls thrice for at least 15 minutes. Elevating legs breaks the gravity circle, improves blood circulation, and leads to less ankle swelling.

2. Exercise Regularly

Do you often ask your doctor whether or not varicose veins disappear with exercise? Well, exercise can help to postpone this problem if it is in your family history. Taking part in regular physical exercise can help to prevent varicose veins. If you want to exercise, please consult healthcare professionals before joining any gym or other physical activity program.

You can participate in different sports, dance class or even swimming class is the best option. Choose only that activity you enjoy and stick to for a long time. If you have a hectic schedule, take 30 minutes to do some exercises at least five days a week.

3. Follow a healthy lifestyle

Varicose veins can develop based on various risk factors, and a few of them are not in your control. But you can follow a healthy lifestyle, preventing additional damage to the veins.

Obesity is another risk factor that we discussed above. Excessive body weight pressurizes the veins inside the skin surface. Mindful eating, which contains all nutrients, carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fatty acids, can help you to maintain healthy body weight.

In addition, exclude food high in salt and include food high in fiber and potassium in the diet. Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated because proper hydration means healthy blood circulation.

4. Sleep positions for pregnant women

If you’re pregnant, you might experience varicose veins. Pregnancy is one of the biggest reasons for varicose veins. Sleep on your left side; this sleeping position may help to prevent the formation of varicose veins and relieve existing varicose veins symptoms.

Additionally, it reduces the pressure that the expanded uterus builds on the big vein in your pelvic area.

5. Wear compression hosiery

You can try compression socks and stockings. They can help to keep your vein valves in an accurate position. Also, it improves the vein’s functionality and lessens blood pooling, pain, and swelling.

There are different types of compression levels available. You can choose the one depending on how damaged your veins are. Confer your physician before buying one for yourself.

Conclusion

Gradually, vein valves start getting weak with time and causing varicose veins. Risk factors like age, gender, or family history are uncontrollable, but following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated can enhance blood circulation in your legs. Using compression socks and stockings is also a good option. You can save on them by using the best prescription Rx discount card.

FAQ

Q: How does avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting contribute to prevention?

A: Remaining in the same position for extended periods can impede blood circulation and increase the likelihood of varicose veins. Taking breaks to stretch, shift weight, and move around can help prevent vein-related issues.

Q: Can wearing high heels lead to varicose veins, and how can I prevent this?

A: Prolonged wearing of high heels can strain calf muscles and disrupt blood circulation, increasing the risk of varicose veins. Opting for comfortable, low-heeled shoes and elevating your legs when possible can help prevent this.

Q: Can varicose veins disappear with exercise alone?

A: While exercise can help improve blood circulation and muscle tone, it may not entirely eliminate existing varicose veins.