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Vein disease is common. It starts when the valves inside of your veins stop working the way they should. The blood in your legs essentially flows backward down into your legs instead of being pushed back up to your heart. This can cause a variety of problems. Some symptoms are minor, but others are painful and even dangerous, including an increased risk for blood clots. Common causes of vein problems include pregnancy and aging. Some people have a genetic predisposition to vein disease.
There are measures you can take to help prevent vein disease or to help reduce symptoms. You may want to consult with a vein doctor depending on the severity of your symptoms.
In the meantime, here are three relatively simple preventative methods to improve vein health.
1. Exercise More
Exercising is beneficial for your veins because it increases the circulation of blood. The best exercises improve your leg circulation and strengthen your calf muscles. Walking, swimming and bicycling can be great exercises. You don’t have to join a gym or do anything fancy. Just move your legs more frequently.
Look for easy ways to add more walking to your everyday activities:
- If you take the subway or bus, get off a stop or two earlier – or skip transit entirely, and do your errands on foot, when possible.
- Get in the habit of taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
- If you drive, park further away from your destination.
- When you talk on the phone, don’t stay seated in your chair. Get up and walk around.
- If you have to sit for long periods of time, move your legs periodically while you are sitting – circle your ankles, bounce your legs up and down. Get up and stretch your legs if you can.
2. Wear Compression Stockings or Socks
Compression stockings squeeze your legs. That helps keep your blood moving back up to your heart. Wearing compression hose can help relieve vein disease symptoms and may prevent blood clots. Talk to your vein doctor to find out if compression garments would be helpful for you.
3. Elevate Your Legs
It’s helpful to take a few minutes per day or even overnight to rest your legs above your heart while lying down. This aids in blood circulation from your legs to your heart.
Vein Removal Procedures
Finally, if home treatment is not enough, or if you want to improve the appearance of your legs, there are several minimally-invasive treatment options for removing or eliminating varicose and spider veins. If you experience pain and swelling, you should contact your vein doctor immediately to discuss your symptoms. We invite you to call us at Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center at 914-205-6399, or contact us online. Our vein doctor would be glad to tell you more.
