Varicose veins are usually a result of weak and damaged veins which don’t function properly. Most people with varicose veins Upper East Side seek treatment to eliminate their unsightly appearance. However, some people experience bothersome symptoms like swelling, aching, burning, and pain, thus seeking medical attention. Varicose veins are pretty common and often not a serious health issue. They usually improve with simple remedies like elevating legs and wearing compression stockings. Better still, the following tips can help prevent varicose veins from forming.
Avoid extended hours of standing or sitting.
Your risk of developing varicose veins is higher if you have a sedentary lifestyle or a job that requires you to sit or stand for long periods. Being in one position for a long time makes it harder for your leg veins to work against gravity. Consequently, the pressure in your veins rises, causing blood to pool around your feet, ankles, and calves. If you can, take breaks every 30 minutes and move around; this decreases venous pressure and improves blood circulation. If you are stuck at a desk, try small exercises like stretching your ankles, peddling your feet, and bending your knees.
Elevate your legs
Your leg veins work harder than other veins in your body since they work against gravity. You can assist them by elevating your feet above the heart; this breaks the gravity circle. Blood circulation improves, and you are less likely to experience ankle swelling. You can use an ottoman to elevate your legs at your workplace or pillows at home. Try and elevate your legs each time you sit or lie for at least 15 minutes.
Make exercise part of your daily routine.
Physical activity is so much fun and good for your general health. It is essential to exercise your leg muscles since they are your biggest allies. When your leg muscles contract, they help your veins pump blood toward your heart. Exercise strengthens these muscles, allowing them to work efficiently. Like any other muscles in your body, your leg muscles also require exercise to be strong.
Walking is an effective exercise to prevent varicose veins, but yoga is also a good option. You can practice inversions such as headstands or shoulder stands; these poses bring your feet higher than your heart, improving blood circulation.
Maintain a healthy weight
There is a high association between obesity and varicose veins. When you are overweight, your body exerts a lot of pressure on your legs, making the veins work harder to circulate blood to the heart. Losing extra pounds takes the stress off your legs and significantly reduces your risk of developing varicose veins. Combining healthy eating habits with regular exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Staying within your ideal weight also lowers your risk of sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. If you are struggling with weight loss, your doctor can help you make diet changes and other adjustments to encourage weight loss.
If you have varicose veins, visit your doctor at Upper East Side Cardiology for treatment to improve your quality of life.