As the new year approaches, many of us end up writing down our resolutions. If you suffer from heaviness, discomfort, or swelling in your legs, your resolutions might sound a little bit different. Varicose veins and spider veins might not be life-threatening conditions, but they can get in the way of good quality of life, and it’s very understandable why these concerns can be top of mind.
If you’ve ever asked yourself whether there’s something you can do to contribute to better vein health, read on as our experts at Goldman Vein Institute, Alexander Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, and Saluja Varghese-Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, share five tips.
You don’t need a gym membership, strenuous exercise, or complicated plans. All you need is to encourage blood flow. This can be done by walking on a regular basis, cleaning, gardening, or any activity that involves movement.
If you’re looking for something higher in intensity, riding a bike can be very useful, as it activates the calf muscles, which help move blood upward toward the heart.
If you have a few extra pounds, achieving a healthy weight can reduce pressure on your veins. By reducing this pressure, you may also reduce discomfort, swelling, and fatigue. You can learn more about whether you’re at a healthy weight by calculating your body mass index (BMI).
If you work a desk job or find yourself sitting for long periods of time, blood may have a tendency to pool in the lower legs. You can break this cycle by standing up regularly, walking briefly, or even elevating your legs to prevent blood from settling downward.
Compression stockings are a well-researched tool for supporting vein function. The compression gently encourages veins to send blood back to the heart, reducing pooling. For many people, this results in less swelling and discomfort.
While there are factors within your control, some are not. Hormones, genetics, or the presence of other conditions can worsen vein health. Even individuals with healthy lifestyles can develop vein issues. When lifestyle changes don’t bring the results you’d like to see, it’s not a sign to try harder. Instead, it may be a sign that your vein health needs additional support.
In the early stages, vein conditions aren’t dangerous, but they can cause pain and discomfort. Left untreated, however, they may lead to complications. Checking in with a vein specialist is one of the best ways to ensure you’re on the right track and receiving the support you need to improve your vein health.
Our experts use advanced imaging techniques to assess vein health and provide treatments that encourage healthy blood flow or remove damaged veins.
If you’re unsure about your vein health or simply want to improve the appearance of your veins, contact us online or by phone today to schedule an appointment at our offices in Jupiter or Wellington, Florida.
