Varicose veins can become increasingly painful and problematic if left untreated and become worse. To avoid worsening symptoms, individuals with varicose veins should follow certain guidelines and avoid certain activities that may worsen the condition.
Taking frequent breaks
The first tip to prevent varicose veins from getting worse is to avoid standing or sitting for long hours as it affects the valves that are involved in the process of blood circulation as long hours sitting or standing slow down the flow of blood and pool in your legs. Take intermittent breaks in between while you are working or when you are traveling.
Doing exercises
You need to perform exercises to keep the body active. Keeping the body active promotes better blood flow as it helps to make your calf muscles stronger and helps muscles contract and relax. Remove at least 30 minutes from your everyday routine to do low-intensity exercises like walking and swimming.
Follow a Fibre-rich diet
A healthy diet is crucial for individuals with varicose veins as it helps manage the condition and prevent its progression. A well-balanced diet, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supports vascular health, prevents constipation, and reduces inflammation in the veins. By nourishing the body with a healthy diet, individuals with varicose veins can optimize their vascular health and overall well-being.
Raising your legs
Keep elevating your legs to let the blood not pool in your legs and help them in traveling to the upper body. This reduces swelling. Aim to elevate your legs at least 15 minutes daily and do this 2 - 3 times a day.
Decreasing weight
If you are obese, then you need to reduce your weight as extra weight adds more pressure on the legs and exercising can help you reduce your weight or maintain a healthy body weight. Reducing your weight reduces the pressure on the legs, which helps in preventing the varicose veins from getting worse.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking affects your veins as it impairs blood circulation, reduces oxygen in the blood, and increases the risk of blood clotting. Smoking also reduces the production of collagen in the veins, which makes the veins more prone to damage, which can lead to the development of varicose veins. This is why you need to stop smoking and find strategies to help you quit smoking completely.
Not wearing tight-clothes
In the case of individuals with varicose veins, wearing tight clothing, such as tight underwear or pants, can exacerbate the condition by further impeding blood circulation. The compression caused by tight garments adds additional pressure to the already compromised veins, potentially worsening the symptoms of varicose veins. It is advisable to opt for looser clothing options to promote healthier blood flow and alleviate strain on the affected veins.
Wearing Medical Compression Stockings
Medical Compression stockings are specially designed to apply graduated pressure to the legs, with the highest pressure at the ankles and gradually decreasing as they move up the leg. This compression helps support the vein walls and improves the efficiency of blood flow by aiding the upward movement of blood from the legs to the heart. The compression helps prevent blood pooling and reduces the strain on the weakened vein walls, preventing varicose veins from worsening.
Taking care of your legs and implementing certain lifestyle changes can significantly contribute to shielding your legs from worsening varicose veins. By following these tips, such as taking frequent breaks, engaging in exercises, maintaining a healthy diet, elevating your legs, reducing weight, practicing leg massages, avoiding smoking, wearing loose clothing, and using compression stockings, you can promote better blood circulation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further deterioration of varicose veins.
