How to Prevent Varicose Veins

Last month’s blog touched on what exactly are varicose veins and if you didn’t read it here’s the short version – “If you aren’t familiar with varicose veins, they are the highly visible, often misshapen veins usually found on your legs. You may feel pain, swelling, or achiness around these veins. You may see discoloration, potentially bleeding, and even ulcers in some more severe cases.”

This month we’re going to talk about 3 ways you can try to prevent varicose veins – exercise, compression socks, and sleep habits.

1. Exercise -Varicose veins form when blood vessels leak blood back through a one way valve and it gathers in your veins. The muscles in your legs help pump this blood back up to your heart by massaging these veins as the muscles flex and move. Any exercise involving leg movement and stretching can help these veins pump the blood up and out of your legs, depriving it of a chance to gather and expand those veins. Regular walks, bike riding, swimming, and even yoga can be incredibly beneficial for preventing varicose veins.
   
   Small exercises can also help like ankle stretches at your desk or just bending your knees like you’re marching. You don’t have to go for a 3 mile walk every day – just get up every 30-60 minutes and do a lap around the office. Don’t give that blood a chance to pool in those veins. Move often.

2. Compression Socks – Compression hosiery of any kind can help place pressure on the lower leg, keeping that blood from gathering and assisting it with its journey back to your heart. Compression socks come in different strengths and sizes – mild, moderate, firm, or extra firm. These can be found over the counter in many places, but can also be prescribed by a vein specialist, like me. You may experience some mild discomfort or cramping while sleeping your first few nights after wearing these, but the body adjusts and eventually this goes away. Come see me if you’re interested in learning more or getting fitted for a pair!
   
   
3. Sleeping – This one is pretty specific but many women develop varicose veins while pregnant. Sleeping on your left side in particular can help prevent this. This sleeping position helps reduce the pressure that your expanding uterus puts on the big vein in your pelvic area, which is located on the middle-right side of your body. If you’ve developed varicose veins during pregnancy and are looking for options to get rid of those, give us a call. We’ve helped mothers of small children get back to their pre-pregnancy confidence!

If you’re already experiencing unsightly swelling, or just want to get out in front of the problem before it gets worse, give Dr. Eston Wenger, of Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland, TN at (423) 472-5423 or click here to request an appointment online. You can love your legs again!