Seven Steps for Varicose Vein Relief This Summer
Inspired by Vein Directory Blog – “The Know”
When you suffer with varicose veins summer heat is not always a welcome friend. Shedding a cozy winter wardrobe for skimpy summer duds often elicits feelings of self-consciousness about wearing leg-baring shorts and bathing suits. While we all like to look good, we also like to feel good and summer heat can aggravate the physical discomforts associated with varicose veins taking the fun out of ‘fun in the sun.’
If you suffer from vein problems, you should visit a vein specialist as soon as possible to get help reducing the pain of varicose veins and eliminate the need to hide your legs. Consider calling us for a free screening and evaluation to find out if you are eligible for our state of the art, in-office laser treatment which usually takes less than 45 minutes, has a 95% success rate and little to no recovery.
1. Keep cool – Increased heat dilates blood vessels. If you have varicose veins this can exacerbate the pain, swelling, tenderness and aching caused by varicose veins. Keep your home cool and dry and your body cool by wearing loose fitting natural fiber clothes.
2. Drink Up – According to the NIH Medline Plus site water is one of the most important things we consume. “Water makes up more than two-thirds of the weight of the human body. All of our cells and organs need water to function properly. Water regulates the body temperature through perspiration. It also helps prevent and relieve constipation by moving food through the intestines.”
3. Be Active – Think of the muscles in your legs like pumps that help squeeze the returning venous blood back to your heart. Regular, gentle exercise like walking uses your calf muscle and improves the circulation in your legs.
If your work requires you sit for extended periods, it will help relieve pressure in your varicose veins if you periodically flex and rotate your ankles and feet and get up and move around for few minutes every hour. Consider setting a timer to regular intervals throughout the day to stand up, walk around and reduce the pressure in the legs and improve your circulation.
4. Consider Support Hose – Compression stockings or support hose are available at medical supply and some general merchandise stores. Although not in-expensive and again, not a cure, they relieve some of the discomfort and swelling of varicose veins. Have fun with some of the new fashionable colors and styles! Layering is in and you can pair support hose with shorts and sandals and be funky, or hide them under a loose flowing long skirt. But, that said, there is a caveat: Don’t wear them in extreme heat. Stay cool!
5. Use self-tanners – The bluish-purple tone of varicose and spider veins are less obvious when your legs are tan, especially if you are fair skinned. If you’ve not been able to have your varicose veins treated consider using a self-tanning lotion on your legs until you are ready to have your veins examined and treated. Remember thought that self-tanners do not address the cause or the health issues related to your varicose or spider veins.
6. Legs Up! – When you’re relaxing at home, lie down on the sofa, or prop your legs on an ottoman or raised recliner footrest. At night, consider propping pillows under your legs and feet while you sleep. The elevation might alleviate some discomfort and swelling.
7. Say NO to salt. – Although Sodium in small doses helps regulate the balance of fluids in your body, transmit nerve impulses and aid the contraction and relaxation of muscles too much will cause your body to retain more water which may result in higher blood volume increasing strain on and swelling of your veins.
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