Varicose veins are a common problem, particularly for women as they reach the middle years of life. Experts estimate that by the time women are in their 60s, nearly three-fourths will have varicose veins. The causes of varicose veins are diverse and not all can be prevented completely. However, there are proactive steps you can take to maintain healthy legs throughout life and lower your risk of developing varicose veins.
Get Moving
Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for your legs as well as your body. Exercises keep lower leg muscles in shape so it is easier for veins in the lower legs to pump blood back up to the heart. Both aerobic exercise and regular stretching will keep muscles in top condition, which may lower your risk for varicose veins.
Put them Up
Occupations that require long periods of standing, such as teachers, flight attendants and sales clerks, tend to have a higher risk of varicose veins. To help alleviate these risks, make time to put your feet up every evening. Elevating the legs gives the veins a break from their hard work against gravity throughout the day.
Take a Loss
Extra pounds can put undue stress on the lower legs, making it that much more challenging to maintain a healthy blood flow. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important step in lowering your risk for varicose veins. It will also allow you to enjoy a variety of additional health benefits as well.
Healthy Style
The clothing you wear can actually impact your likelihood of developing varicose veins. Clothing that fits tightly around the waist can restrict blood flow from the lower legs to the heart. High-heeled shoes can also restrict blood flow, while shoes with lower heels keep your calf muscles toned for healthy blood flow.
Add Support
Individuals at higher risk for varicose veins, or those that already have the early signs of the condition, may want to consider wearing surgical-grade compression stockings. These special socks fit more snugly around the foot and ease tension as they move up the leg to make it easier for blood to pump upward. While these stockings will not reduce varicose veins that have already appeared, they can prevent veins from worsening or other veins from developing.
If varicose veins are already a problem for you, help is available. Contact the Aesthetic Arts Institute for Plastic Surgery to learn about minimally-invasive methods for eliminating varicose veins for good. Our staff is ready to answer your questions or schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaweski at (619) 464-9876.
