If you or a close family member have experienced problems with varicose veins, then you know about the importance of keeping your veins in check. That’s right, as, with any other part of our bodies, our veins need to be taken good care of, especially if there is an earlier history of vein-related issues.
Did you know that vein problems tend to affect women at around three times the rate they affect men, the odds steadily increasing with age? Not only do they affect the way your legs look, but they can also cause inflammation, pain, or discomfort. Keep reading to find out more about what you can do to prevent these issues from affecting your veins.
1. Activity
One of the main things to keep in mind for a healthier body, in general, is sufficient activity, but this goes double as a prophylactic varicose vein treatment. Keep in mind though, not to overexert yourself! Getting the blood pumping will help you stay fit, and keep your legs healthy!
Keep in mind, however, that you don’t have to go too far with it – all you need is to stay on your feet.
2. Gradient compression stockings
If you’ve had earlier vein-related issues, you should recognize them. Otherwise, if you’re susceptible to veinous insufficiency, thigh-high compression stockings can be ideal for providing you with the necessary help. These stockings help contract your muscles at key points to aid circulation.
Often, certain vein-related procedures may require you to wear them or put your feet up while wearing them, to further ensure the blood moves back up. After all, varicose veins tend to make blood flow slower, so any added way you can aid it will be appreciated by your legs.
3. Healthy lifestyle
Leading a healthy lifestyle will help prevent the onset of a lot of issues, including varicose vein pain. If you smoke, you should stop it as it tends to thicken and deoxygenate your blood, with narrower veins, making blood flow even more difficult for your body.
Eating healthily can improve overall circulation and increase the pliability of your vein walls. Hydration is a key factor, as it thins the blood, letting it flow that much more easily through your body.
Essentially, any activity which promotes or improves blood flow is going to be a helpful addition to your routine.
4. Yoga
Yoga has multiple recorded health benefits, such as improving flexibility, easing back pain, and relieving stress. Additionally, it can make for an excellent exercise in improving blood flow in your legs, depending on the position, which can function as a makeshift varicose vein treatment, in a pinch.
Downward dog and legs up the wall are both great additions to your sessions, in case you already practice Yoga, or the improved circulation might be a good reason to pick it up in the first place. The health benefits are well-documented, a study from the University of Texas reporting noticeable improvements in circulation, stress, and energy levels.
5. Treatment
If you’re noticing you’re feeling pain or find certain activities far more difficult than they used to, know that this condition is fully treatable. With excellent options provided to you by vein clinics, you can get back to how things used to be after a series of short, relatively painless, and minimally invasive procedures.
That is especially useful in case you’re looking to treat existing varicose veins, instead of reducing the chance of new ones appearing.
We hope these tips help you take diligent care of your veins and wish you nothing but the best in living your healthiest life!