What You Need To Know About Varicose Veins
As we get older, our bodies change in many ways, and we become more prone to various illnesses and ailments. One of the most annoying of which is varicose veins, a problem that causes the veins to leak blood and swell, causing discomfort.
When it comes to varicose veins, many of us make the mistake of thinking that they’re caused by standing up for too long or crossing our legs. However, the primary cause of varicose veins tends to be down to genetics. Thanks to our DNA, some of us are just more prone to them than others.
As well as being painful, these veins can also be unsightly. This means that for many varicose vein sufferers, swimsuit season is a living nightmare. They can knock your confidence and confine you to a life without skirts, dresses or swimsuits. The good news is that there are plenty of ways that you can treat them. For everything that you need to know about varicose veins, keep reading.
Don’t stand or sit for too long
Did you know that standing or sitting in one place for extended periods can worsen varicose veins? (it can’t cause them, but it can worsen them.) If you need to stay stood in one place for longer than a few minutes, make sure to move your legs every few minutes. This will help to keep the blood flowing properly and will reduce pressure on the veins.
Hot tubs should be a no go
As relaxing as a dip in a hot tub is, if you have varicose veins, you should avoid hot tubs. You see, the heat from the water can cause the capillaries in the veins to expand, increasing blood flow and making varicose veins worse. For the same reason, saunas, hot baths, and sun beds should also be avoided.
Don’t sit cross-legged
We’ve all heard that sitting cross legged can cause varicose veins to occur. While that’s not true, it can, however, put more pressure on the veins. Over time, this can make you more prone to varicose veins, but it can’t cause them. Even so, if you have varicose veins or want to prevent them, it’s best to avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
See a doctor
If your varicose veins are causing you severe pain or are affecting your everyday life, it’s a good idea to take a trip to see your doctor. While there are plenty of simple things you can do at home, such as not taking hot baths or crossing your legs. Sometimes these problematic veins need medical treatment to get rid of them for good.
The good news is that there are various treatment options that you can have, should your veins require it. From sclerotherapy to varicose vein removal, there are plenty of options. What it’s important to remember is that the type of treatment you will need will depend on your veins, and how bad they are.
Elevate your legs
When it comes to varicose veins, one of the best things that you can do is elevate your legs. Prop your legs up on cushions for at least 20 minutes a day to help drain any excess blood and keep your veins healthy. This will not only help to reduce swelling, but also pain. So if you’re suffering from varicose veins, elevating your legs is a must.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to keep your varicose veins at bay.
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Varicose veins, also known as varicoses or varicosities, occur when your veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and have a bluish-purple or red color. They are often painful. The condition is very common, especially in women. Around 25 percent of all adults have varicose veins. In most cases, varicose veins appear on the lower legs.
Some potential causes for varicose veins include:
1. pregnancy
2. menopause
3. age over 50
4. standing for long periods of time
5. obesity
6. family history of varicose veins
Thanks for telling me that even simply sitting on the same spot can cause varicose veins to appear early on my legs. I spend long hours in front of my computer and this might be the reason why I already have them. I hope that consulting a medical expert will allow me to undergo a treatment that can help them disappear.