9 Ways to Prevent Varicose Veins

Did you know that 60% of all Americans suffer from some kind of vein disorder? These estimates from the National Institutes of Health further show that 25% of all varicose vein patients are men. These affected veins bulge with blood pools because of poor blood circulation. Mostly, they affect legs and thighs, although they can affect any other body part.

Fortunately, these figures aren’t a death sentence because all affected persons can access varicose vein treatment. It’s critical to prevent this medical condition if you don’t have it. But how do you prevent varicose veins? This article focuses on practical preventive measures you can take. Keep reading to learn how you can keep yourself safe.

1. Mind Your Sleep Positions During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the biggest causes of varicose veins. Therefore, every expectant mother should pay attention to how she conducts herself during this delicate stage. Avoid sleeping on your left side to prevent this vein complication.

This measure also helps relieve varicose vein symptoms for those already affected and undergoing varicose vein treatment. Adopting this sleeping position also reduces pressure on your ballooning uterus and puts on the big vein in your pelvic region, positioned on your body’s middle-right side.

2. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is another practical way of preventing varicose veins. Walking tops the list of exercises you can engage in. This exercise is the best because it positively affects all your body parts. Cycling is another wholesome exercise you can optimize. It’s beneficial since it engages every body part and system. It assists in proper blood and oxygen circulation to all your body parts.

Don’t forget to go swimming because its efficacy follows walking and cycling. So, you can’t fail to get an exercise to engage in because the options are many.

3. Wear Compression Hosiery

You can also prevent this vein condition by wearing compression socks and stockings because they keep your vein valves in their correct position. Consequently, your veins function properly, reducing possible blood pooling, inflammation, and pain.

These clothing pieces also reduce night cramps. It’s also worth noting that compression levels vary based on your veins’ damage levels— mild, moderate, firm, or extra firm. Thus, consult your doctor before using these socks and stockings.

4. Don’t Sit or Stand for Too Long

Don’t stand or sit for too long if you want to prevent varicose veins. Prolonged standing or sitting reduces blood circulation through your leg veins. Consequently, venous pressure increases, creating pools near your ankles and causing calf and feet swelling.

Walking around decreases venous pressure and improves blood circulation. You can break your sitting or standing cycles and do the following:

• Peddle your feet;
• Stretch your ankles;
• Bend your knees.

5. Live Healthily

Living healthily is another effective way of preventing varicose veins. For instance, obesity increases venous pressure. An obese person should eat a healthy diet rich in complex carbs, fiber, potassium, proteins, and healthy fats. Further, avoid foods rich in salt.

Drinking enough water enhances hydration, which guarantees better blood circulation. Don’t forget to quit smoking because studies show that smoking significantly fast-tracks varicose veins development.

6. Elevate Your Legs

Elevating your legs is another sure way of preventing varicose veins. Lifting your legs to the same level as your heart or slightly above it improves circulation. This elevation reduces pressure in your leg veins, helping a smooth blood flow to the heart. This activity is most beneficial if you spend most of your time sitting.

7. Avoid Restrictive Clothing

Do you want to prevent vein disorder? Then stay away from restrictive clothing! Wearing tight clothes might look fashionable, but slowly, it restricts proper blood flow. Donning loose-fitting clothes improves blood circulation to all your body parts. You should also avoid high heels because they restrict adequate blood circulation. Instead, use flat shoes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

So far, you have seen how preventing varicose veins is possible and easy. But when should you seek varicose vein treatment if you are already affected? It’s worth noting that you don’t need treatment if your varicose veins aren’t paining you. The reason is that treatment primarily aims to ease symptoms if your veins are paining. It also seeks to address complications like leg ulcers, swelling, or skin discoloration.

Varicose veins are treatable and preventable. Therefore, those already affected shouldn’t worry because medical remedies exist. Inversely, those who aren’t can follow the insights this post shared to keep themselves safe. The ball is in your court to use these tips to prevent this vein disorder and enjoy a healthy life.