Can you prevent varicose veins

The same thing happens in the case of varicose veins. This one-way valve is damaged, and that means blood pools up in your veins. The result is swelling and discomfort. Varicose veins are ropelike and can be blue or red, and can even make your skin bulge. You have a greater chance of getting varicose veins if any of the following apply to you:. Half of those with varicose veins have a family history of them, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

As you age, the valves in your veins may not work as well as they did when you were younger. This is another risk factor for varicose veins. Sorry ladies, but the hormonal changes you experience—along with the use of birth control pills—can raise your risk. Fortunately in this case, the veins usually improve three to 12 months after delivery. This excess weight exerts more pressure on your veins, leading to an increased risk.

Staying in one position for extended time forces your veins to work harder, which can place you at risk. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to enhance the blood flow in your legs.

As a result, you can prevent your varicose veins from getting worse. Try these things. Your leg muscles are your biggest allies. They help your veins push blood to the heart. This is very useful since your muscles are working against gravity. Any leg exercises will also help prevent the appearance of new varicose veins. Losing weight can also keep new varicose veins from forming. It also reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, try to schedule a similar break to sit for a while.

This can place more pressure on your legs, which can make varicose veins worse. When possible, place your feet on a chair or stool positioned so the blood will be able to flow back toward your heart. This is particularly important if you have a job that requires you to stand or sit for long periods of time. This is also a good preventative measure to take to help keep varicose veins from forming.

These do not place as much pressure as compression stockings, but for many, this is all they need. You can purchase these over-the-counter or you can ask your doctor for prescription-strength compression hose. Pressure on the ankle and lower leg helps blood move back toward your heart. We take pride in providing the highest level of patient care. Even better, we have the results to prove it with excellent patient outcomes. Always attempt to sit straight and avoid crossing your legs. The National Heart and Lung Institute says that sitting at a desk or anywhere with poor posture, like leaning your head forward as many do , increases the risk for varicose veins.

Not all varicose veins can be prevented, but you can certainly reduce your chances of developing new ones. Talk to Dr. Robert Handley about the wide variety of options to remove the varicose veins you already have. Mobile Request Buttons Patient Portal. Contact Us. There are ways to reduce the risk of this happening with 5 daily habits to avoid varicose veins.

Engage in Moderate Exercise Walking, biking, and swimming are excellent ways to improve circulation, especially in the legs. The GP can diagnose varicose veins based on these symptoms, although further tests may be carried out. In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged varicose.

If treatment is necessary, your doctor may first recommend using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting. If your varicose veins are still causing you pain or discomfort, or they cause complications, they can be treated in several ways.

Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that often appear on the legs and feet. They happen when the valves in the veins do not work properly, so the blood does not flow effectively. The veins rarely need treatment for health reasons, but if swelling, aching, and painful legs result, and if there is considerable discomfort, treatment is available.

In severe cases, a varicose vein may rupture, or develop into varicose ulcers on the skin. These will require treatment. If the patient has no symptoms or discomfort and is not bothered by the sight of the varicose veins, treatment might not be necessary. However, if there are symptoms, treatment may be required to reduce pain or discomfort, address complications, such as leg ulcers, skin discoloration, or swelling. If varicose veins are large, they may need to be removed surgically.

This is usually done under general anesthetic. In most cases, the patient can go home the same day — if surgery is required on both legs, they may need to spend one night in hospital. Laser treatments are often used to close off smaller veins, and also spider veins. Strong bursts of light are applied to the vein, which gradually fades and disappears. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed. A thin, flexible wire is threaded through the bottom of the vein and then pulled out, taking the vein with it.

This procedure does not usually require a hospital stay. Ligation and stripping can sometimes result in bruising, bleeding, and pain. In extremely rare occasions, there may be deep vein thrombosis. After surgery, most patients will need weeks to recover before going back to work and other normal duties. During recovery time, compression stockings are worn. A chemical is injected into small and medium-sized varicose veins, which scars and closes them.

A few weeks later, they should fade. A vein may need to be injected more than once. A small incision is made either above or below the knee, and with the help of an ultrasound scan; a narrow tube catheter is threaded into the vein. The doctor inserts a probe into the catheter, which emits radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency energy heats up the vein, causing its walls to collapse, effectively closing it and sealing it shut.