It’s true that some of the risk factors for vein disease are out of our control. Some of these factors include genetics and our bodily reactions to events such as pregnancy or menopause.
Others are more manageable or at least can be handled with preventative measures.
Let’s focus today on those in that second category to give you a basic idea of what you can do at home to stop, or at least slow, the progression of venous disorders like varicose and spider veins. As a very important note, this isn’t meant to cover more serious or advanced cases of vein disease, like venous ulcers or DVT. It’s also not meant as medical advice for your specific case — you’d need to come in for an official screening and diagnosis to get that kind of information.
Disclaimers aside, these are some of the basics for relieving discomfort from minor conditions.
Don’t be static. We’re not talking electricity, but rather your body position throughout the day. Maintaining the same position over a long period of time is not good for those of us with venous insufficiency, the circulation issue that causes many vein problems. Breaking your pose can be as simple as getting up from your desk and stretching every 30 minutes. It’s also important to get regular exercise throughout the week, so whether you prefer to walk, run or swim, make time for that physical activity to work on your damaged veins.
Throw away the cigarettes. Doctors or any specialty will tell you that smoking, chewing and otherwise using tobacco is terrible for your health. I’m no exception to that, as nicotine can do real damage to all body systems, including sensitive blood vessels. If you’ve already got varicose or spider veins, smoking could make your problems worse.
Cross, uncross. This may sound like an odd one, but crossing your legs, especially for long sessions, can also have a negative effect on circulation. Pick a different pose — then remember the start of this list and keep moving!
Again, these are just the basics of preventative care, and even if you follow all these steps, you may still feel a progression of your issues. We ask that you please come in for a free screening to catch these problems before they escalate into something worse. Our phones are always open to you, as is our web service — get in touch to learn how we can help.