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Nearly half of all Americans will develop some form of varicose veins within their lifetime. Aside from being cosmetically unappealing, varicose veins (and their smaller, more superficial, capillary-based cousins – spider veins) can make common everyday activities like walking and standing painful. In more severe cases, varicose veins can even lead to skin ulcers. While there is no way to guarantee prevention of varicose veins, there are things you can do to lower your risk of varicose vein development. 1. Exercise RegularlyRegular walking or running can improve blood circulation of the legs, helping to ward off vein dysfunction. Thirty minutes of daily exercise can also reduce high blood pressure and strengthen all aspects of the circulatory system. 2. Maintain a Healthy WeightA high correlation exists between obesity and varicose vein development. Excess weight adds pressure to the legs, increasing the work veins have to do to properly circulate blood back to the heart. As such, maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces the risk of varicose and spider vein development. Talk to your physician about implementing healthy eating habits and regular exercise into your daily routine. 3. Elevate Your LegsWhen sitting or sleeping, raising your legs above the level of your heart can enhance proper blood circulation. 4. Practice Good PostureStudies have shown that good posture can also improve circulation. Additionally, refraining from sitting with crossed legs can help as leg crossing restricts proper blood flow. 5. Avoid Prolonged Standing or SittingProlonged standing or sitting keep the calf muscles inactive and can significantly weaken the valves and walls of the blood vessels in your lower extremities over long periods of time, leading to vein dysfunction and increased venous pressure in both the legs and feet. We encourage patients to try to have a mix of standing and sitting during their day. If prolonged standing or sitting is unavoidable, such as with certain occupations, periodic shifts in position, calf exercises, and/or short walks may all be helpful. 6. Quit SmokingOne of the many consequences of smoking is high blood pressure, a contributor to varicose vein development. 7. Avoid long-term birth control pill useUsing hormonal birth control has been shown to increase the risk of varicose vein development as increased estrogen can alter the function of valves in peripheral veins. Your health care provider can suggest other long-term birth control alternatives. 8. Wardrobe changesAvoiding clothes that are extremely tight fitting around the waist and legs can help to improve blood circulation. Opt for apparel that is soft and loose fitting. Also trading in high heels for properly fitting low-heeled or flat shoes can also help; plus your feet will thank you. 9. Compression hoseIf you are noticing early vein development on your legs try wearing compression hose. Here at Westlake Dermatology we have a large variety of compression products that can help. Our experts can help you find compression hose with the right fit and compression level for your specific needs. While the steps above can help prevent the appearance of varicose veins, stop new ones from forming, and reduce the size and painfulness of existing ones, medical treatment may be advisable if these more conservative methods fail to improve the signs and symptoms of vein disease. Effective treatments for treating existing varicose and spider veins include sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, and laser-based treatments. To learn more about treatment options contact us today!
Daniel P. Friedmann, M.D. is a fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist and phlebologist at Westlake Dermatology and Clinical Research Director of the Westlake Clinical Research Center. He has presented nationally on photorejuvenation, noninvasive fat reduction, radiofrequency devices, up-to-date techniques in photodynamic therapy, the management of stretch marks, and the treatment of hand, chest, and facial veins. Leave a ReplyVaricose veins and spider veinsVaricose veins and spider veins are swollen, twisted veins that usually appear on the legs. Women are more likely to have varicose veins and spider veins. Pregnancy, older age, and obesity can increase your risk of varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins and spider veins are often painless and do not usually cause health problems. If they do cause symptoms, or if you want to have them removed, talk to your doctor or nurse about treatment options. What are varicose veins?Varicose veins are twisted veins that can be blue, red, or skin-colored. The larger veins may appear ropelike and make the skin bulge out. Varicose veins are often on the thighs, the backs and fronts of the calves, or the inside of the legs near the ankles and feet. During pregnancy, varicose veins can happen around the inner thigh, lower pelvic area, and buttocks. What are spider veins?Spider veins, or thread veins, are smaller than varicose veins. They are usually red. They may look like tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can usually be seen under the skin, but they do not make the skin bulge out like varicose veins do. Spider veins are usually found on the legs or the face. Who gets varicose veins and spider veins?Varicose veins affect almost twice as many women as men and are more common in older women.1 Spider veins may affect more than half of women.2 What are the symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins?Some women do not have any symptoms with varicose veins and spider veins. If you do have symptoms, your legs may feel extremely tired, heavy, or achy. Your symptoms may get worse after sitting or standing for long periods of time. Your symptoms may get better after resting and putting your legs up.3 Other symptoms that may be more common with varicose veins include:
Changing hormone levels may affect your symptoms. Because of this, you may notice more symptoms during certain times in your menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause. What causes varicose veins and spider veins?Problems in the valves in your veins can prevent blood from flowing normally and cause varicose veins or spider veins. Your heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients through your arteries to your whole body. Veins then carry the blood from different parts of your body back to your heart. Normally, your veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. But, if the valves don't close correctly, blood can leak back into the lower part of the vein rather than going toward the heart. Over time, more blood gets stuck in the vein, building pressure that weakens the walls of the vein. This causes the vein to grow larger. Are some women more at risk of varicose veins and spider veins?Yes. Varicose veins and spider veins are caused by damaged valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing normally. Many things can damage your valves, but your risk of varicose veins and spider veins may be higher if you:1
Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in the legs?Varicose veins and spider veins appear most often in the legs. This is because the veins in your legs carry blood to your heart against gravity and for the longest distance of anywhere in the body. Should I call my doctor or nurse if I have varicose veins or spider veins?Maybe. If you think you have varicose veins or spider veins and they cause you pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor or nurse. Varicose veins and spider veins usually do not cause symptoms. But, you may want to remove or close varicose veins or spider veins if you have symptoms or if you don't like the way they look. Talk to your doctor or nurse if varicose veins or spider veins cause you pain or if:1,8
Will I get varicose veins during pregnancy?Maybe. During pregnancy, you have more blood pumping through your body to support your unborn baby. The extra blood can cause your veins to get larger. Your growing uterus (womb) also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins may appear around the vagina and buttocks. For some women, varicose veins shrink or disappear after childbirth. For others, varicose veins stay after childbirth, and symptoms continue to get worse. Women may also get more varicose veins or spider veins with each additional pregnancy. How are varicose veins and spider veins diagnosed?Your doctor or nurse will look at your legs while you're standing or sitting down. He or she may ask you about your symptoms, including pain. Sometimes the doctor or nurse may do other tests to rule out other health problems. Your doctor or nurse may also do one of the following:
How are varicose veins and spider veins treated?
Is treatment for varicose veins and spider veins permanent?Maybe. Some treatments for varicose veins seal off or remove the vein permanently. But, over time, new varicose veins or spider veins can develop. You can't control some risk factors for varicose veins and spider veins, like your age and family history. If you get new varicose veins or spider veins, you may need to have a surgery or medical procedure again to remove them or block them off. Wearing gradient compression support stockings may help prevent new varicose veins or spider veins from developing. What can I do at home to help varicose veins and spider veins?If your varicose veins or spider veins bother you, you can take steps at home or work to make blood flow in your legs better.
How do compression stockings help treat varicose veins and spider veins?Compression stockings put pressure on your veins, which increases blood flow from your legs. There are three kinds of compression stockings:
Some stronger compression stockings can hurt people with certain medical conditions, such as certain types of heart disease or heart failure. Ask your doctor or nurse if it's safe for you to use prescription-strength compression stockings or what strength would be safe for you. What else can I do to treat varicose veins and spider veins without having surgery?Your doctor or nurse may give you medicine to treat the symptoms of varicose veins, including swelling, pain, and itching.9 Other nonsurgical treatments for varicose veins and spider veins include:
What types of surgery treat varicose veins?Your doctor or nurse may recommend surgery for very large or severe varicose veins. Types of surgery for varicose veins include:
Does insurance cover varicose veins and spider veins treatment?Maybe. Your insurance plan may cover certain treatments for varicose veins and spider veins, such as compression stockings, medicine, or a procedure, if you have symptoms, such as pain or swelling. Insurance may also cover surgery if wearing compression stockings has not helped.
What can happen if varicose veins and spider veins are not treated?Most varicose veins and spider veins do not cause any health problems. Larger varicose veins may cause aching, throbbing, and discomfort, especially after you have been sitting or standing for long periods of time. Sometimes, varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems, including:
How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?You may not be able to prevent varicose veins and spider veins, especially if they usually happen in your family or when you are pregnant. There are other parts of your life that you cannot control, such as getting older, that can also contribute to varicose veins and spider veins. There are steps you can take at home, like exercising and losing extra weight, that can make you healthier and may prevent new varicose veins or spider veins from forming. These steps may also help your legs feel better by relieving pain and discomfort. Did we answer your questions about varicose veins and spider veins?Sources
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All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated. Page last updated: February 15, 2021 How can I prevent varicose veins naturally?Lifestyle and home remedies. Exercise. Get moving. ... . Manage weight. Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off the veins.. Avoid salt. Follow a low-salt diet to prevent swelling caused from water retention.. Choose proper footwear. ... . Avoid tight clothing. ... . Raise the legs. ... . Avoid long periods of sitting or standing.. What are the main causes of varicose veins?Varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls and valves. Inside your veins are tiny one-way valves that open to let the blood through, and then close to prevent it flowing backwards. Sometimes the walls of the veins become stretched and lose their elasticity, causing the valves to weaken.
Can you make varicose veins go away?Varicose veins won't go away or improve. They may worsen over time. This is why it is important to maintain a healthy body with diet and exercise. Losing weight can improve a person's health and quality of life, but it won't get rid of or stop varicose veins from appearing.
What exercise is best for varicose veins?Generally, low-impact exercises are best, and include the following:. Walking or Running. Walking just 30 minutes a day for five days a week can yield good benefits. ... . Leg Lifts. You need to do this move regularly to see the benefits. ... . Bicycling or Bicycle Legs. ... . Lunges. ... . Rocking Your Feet. ... . Standing Calf Raises.. |