Varicose veins refer to dilated, twisted, enlarged veins visible on the skin’s surface or in deep tissue. They can be found in most body parts and are often associated with pregnancy and heavy periods. Long-term excessive venous pressure leads to vein damage. In some cases, the veins may rupture or form kinks which cause them to dangle down below skin level by sticking out from underneath it. Varicose veins like this one are a common problem that can make everyday activities, like bending down or tying your shoe, feel uncomfortable.
The causes of varicose veins vary, but it’s essential to do what you can to prevent them from happening by finding the best vein center. Varicose veins can vary in severity. In most cases, they do not require any treatment, and you may manage them with some lifestyle changes. If you are searching for varicose vein treatment in Houston or entire Texas, you must know that it is a common cosmetic concern that can be treated very easily. Here are five reasons you get varicose veins and tips for avoiding them yourself.
- You Are Pregnant –
It’s no secret that pregnancy is a lot of change for the body. Blood flow within the veins can increase by 20 percent, which might make the veins more visible. The increased blood flow also allows for more oxygen to travel through the veins and helps them to support pregnancy.
- You Are Menopausal –
Second-wave menopause, or decreased estrogen production in the body, can lead to varicose veins in women over 50 years old. It is an excellent time to look into what you can do to prevent them.
- You Are Older –
As people age, their bodies tend to become less elastic, meaning older people are more likely to experience varicose veins. Age-related changes in the body may also make veins more visible because they are stretched out and less elastic.
- You Are Overweight –
The more stressed a vein is, the higher the risk of it turning into a varicose vein. In addition, the body’s weight can contribute, especially if you have to carry around extra pounds in your abdomen or calves.
- You Do Not Exercise –
If you are not active, your blood won’t be as circulated throughout your body, meaning pooled blood will sit in a vein causing it to stretch out and become dilated. In addition, if a vein traumatically ruptures, the risk of a blood clot forming is also higher.
Tips to Prevent Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can happen to anyone, and they’re something that you can prevent. If you’re pregnant, try to avoid excess weight gain. If you are over 50 years old, then it’s recommended by most doctors to start seeing your doctor who specializes in the treatment of varicose veins at least six months before you reach menopause. At this stage, your veins will not be as sensitive, and many doctors believe that no one should wait until they develop varicose veins before seeing a doctor about what you can do to prevent them.
- Start Having Regular Exercise
One of the most crucial steps is starting regular exercise and stretching exercises. Exercises help you enhance your circulation and reduce your blood pressure, which will help prevent varicose veins. First, make sure that you have warmed up before doing any stretching exercises. It would help if you did this by walking for about 10 to 15 minutes, three times a week. You must start immediately since no matter how much time passes, your veins will not improve if they haven’t been stretched out first.
- Daily Activities
Your daily activities are critical in preventing varicose veins. Ensuring that you are constantly moving is essential since it helps your blood flow. It is also recommended that you do leg lifts, squats, and leg raises to help improve the circulation in your legs. Make sure that you take breaks from sitting since it also prevents varicose veins. Taking about thirty-minute walks after lunch or during your lunch break will help to prevent varicose veins.
- The Types of Clothing You Wear
You must avoid wearing tight or constricting clothing. Make sure that you wear loose-fitting garments because they help to prevent varicose veins. Some of the best choices include stretch pants, elastic-waist pants, and leggings. You can also look for extensions for shoes that will help prevent varicose veins and make your feet look smaller. Never wear pants that feel tight in your calves since they can put a lot of stress on the veins in your feet and legs.
- Moisturize
Moisturizing your legs can help you to prevent varicose veins. Apply moisturizer to your legs and feet before going to bed. If you have sensitive skin, start moisturizing them in the early mornings. Moisturizer can help prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated, which will help prevent varicose veins. You can put lotion on as many times throughout the day as needed or use it just before bedtime for a longer stretch of moisture.
- Avoid Hot Environments
One of the most important steps you can take is to make sure that you avoid hot and humid environments. Try to avoid walking in sweatpants or wearing tight clothing during the summer. Make sure that you wear loose clothing made from natural fibers so that your skin doesn’t become too hot and sweaty. You should also avoid going for a run or participating in a vigorous activity when it’s too hot out, which can make varicose veins worse. Always keep yourself cool during hot weather, and make sure that you always wear loose-fitting clothing.
It is not uncommon for people to develop varicose veins, but you can take preventive steps right now to ensure that your veins remain healthy. If you are pregnant, you need to take care of your body so that you and your baby are healthy. If you decide on getting pregnant in the future, it’s a good idea to exercise regularly now before getting pregnant. Hopefully, these tips can help you remember how important it is to have exercises and stretches done regularly.
