Varicose veins can be unpleasant to look at and uncomfortable to deal with. While it’s excellent that varicose veins treatment technology has improved in recent years, it’s still best to do what you can to prevent varicose veins, whether you’re at risk or you already have some noticeable leg veins. Let’s explore the best things you can do for varicose veins prevention.
Regular Exercise
First things first, sclerotherapy specialists recommend regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and keep the pressure off your leg veins. After all, strong leg muscles support the veins as they push blood up to the heart, even against gravity. The more leg exercises you do, the better off you’ll be for preventing unsightly varicose veins.
Weight Management
In addition to routine exercise, a healthy diet can go a long way in helping you manage your weight and alleviate pressure on your leg veins, which may help you avoid varicose veins treatment. The less stress on your legs, the easier it will be for your veins to push blood to vital organs, minimising pressure and the appearance of varicose veins. For example, cut back on salt in your diet as it will lower leg swelling and possibly keep you from further developing varicose veins.
Wearing Comfortable Shoes
Another way to prevent varicose veins and the need for sclerotherapy or other treatment is to wear supportive shoes. Avoid high heels and tight hosiery wherever possible, so there’s not as much pressure on your lower legs. If you are wearing heels for a special occasion, make sure to give your feet a rest and switch into more comfortable shoes, preferably with supportive arch cushioning. Make a habit of putting your feet up after a long night in tight or tall shoes to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins.
Stay Elevated
Something else to consider both as a preventative measure and for varicose veins treatment in elevating your legs. By regularly changing between sitting and standing positions, you can keep the blood flowing throughout your legs and prevent blood from collecting in the veins. Make sure to move and stretch your body even on busy days to promote healthy blood flow and vein function.
Try Compression Stockings
Finally, vein clinic specialists recommend compression hosiery and stockings to add pressure and push blood flow back up the legs. This is a significant preventative step for women as they age, as compression stockings can be worn at work or while exercising. Varicose veins prevention during pregnancy is a little more complicated, considering the normal and healthy weight gain during these nine months. However, compression stockings can make a difference by minimising swelling and leg pain.
Book a Vein Clinic Consultation for Varicose Veins
Now that you know the best options for varicose veins prevention, you can do your best to prevent enlarged, twisted veins in the first place. If you discover varicose veins and require treatment, Vein Care can help. Please contact our vein clinic in Melbourne today to book a consultation.