Varicose veins are enlarged, gnarled veins, usually occurring in the legs and feet. For most people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern and are generally benign. In other cases, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort and are a manifestation of an underlying circulatory problem. However, there is good news…there are simple ways to prevent or delay the forming of varicose veins, which is what we’ll discuss in this article…
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Exercise regularly:
Your leg muscles work overtime, by helping your veins push blood to your heart. This works well, as your leg muscles are working against gravity. Any consistent leg exercises will not only prevent varicose veins, but will prevent varicose veins from getting worse. Some of the exercises that have great benefits in preventing varicose veins from getting worse are walking, bicycling, lunges, and rocking feet. The latter involve stretching out the muscles in your legs and feet to improve muscle strength and circulation.
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Lose weight if you are obese or overweight:
If you are overweight or obese, you are placing more stress on your legs. Losing weight can also prevent new varicose veins from forming. Losing weight does not just prevent varicose veins, but also reduces your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
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Avoid standing or sitting for a long period of time:
If you sit or stand at work for long periods of time, you may be at greater risk of developing varicose veins. You should remember to take a break every half-hour and stand up and walk for a short while. You can simply go to the rest room or breakroom and back. When you walk around, it forces your leg muscles to move blood to your heart much more than when you are in a sedentary position. If your job requires that you stand for long periods of time, do schedule a time when you can sit down and relax.
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Do not wear tight-fitting clothes:
These clothes put more pressure on your legs, which will make your varicose veins worse.
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Try to put your feet up as often as you can:
When possible, prop up your legs and feet up on a chair so that the blood can flow back towards your heart. This especially works well if you have a job that requires you to sit or stand for long periods of time.
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Wear support panty hose:
This can be a good preventive measure to prevent or delay varicose veins from forming. This type of panty hose does not place as much pressure on the legs as compression stockings, but if you have varicose veins that are not that severe, this can help.
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Buy and wear compression stockings:
You can purchase compression stockings over-the-counter, or you can ask your doctor to prescribe a prescription-strength compression hose. These put pressure on the ankles and lower legs, and help move blood towards the heart.
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Do not sit with your legs crossed:
Sitting with your legs crossed will inhibit blood flow through your legs. If you do cross your legs, ensure that you keep moving them and that you switch positions frequently.
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Eat a healthy diet:
To prevent varicose veins from forming or getting worse, pay attention to your diet. You need to avoid foods high in sodium, added sugars, artificial fats, and cholesterol. You should also limit alcoholic beverages. All of these can increase your blood pressure, which can impact proper vein valve function. Eating a well-rounded and healthy diet can have a beneficial effect on your varicose veins, as well as on your overall health. If you need help formulating your diet, do contact your doctor and nutritionist.
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Stop smoking:
Smoking does not only have negative consequences on your varicose veins but it also has many dangerous health consequences, some of which can be lethal. If you smoke regularly, you need to kick the habit sooner rather than later. You can ask your doctor to recommend smoking cessation programs for you.
If you have tried all of these preventive measures, but still have varicose veins, you may need to consult a skilled vascular surgeon for treatment for your varicose veins. One such treatment is Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). This involves inserting a laser fiber through a catheter into the affected vein. The laser energy seals the faulty vein and blood flow is redirected to healthy veins. The entire process takes about an hour. It is one of the best treatments for varicose veins.
Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala, at the Flow Vascular Clinic, is a skilled vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist who has performed several EVLT procedures on patients with stubborn varicose veins. He will gauge your individual case and will then work holistically with you to recommend the treatment of choice for your varicose veins. He will also recommend procedures to prevent or delay the formation of varicose veins or then prevent varicose veins from getting worse.
So, if you have varicose veins that need attention, do consult with Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala, and be relieved from the pain and discomfort of persistent varicose veins!
For more information about the preventive measures and treatment of varicose veins, as well as the treatment for DVT, or other vascular conditions, contact Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala at (+91) 9989649498 or 9959033037, or at contact@drabhilash.com or visit our website at www.drabhilash.com