A family history of varicose veins is the biggest risk factor for developing varicose veins. About half of all people who have varicose veins have a family history of them, and children with two parents with varicose veins have a 90% chance of developing them at some point during their life.
Lowering Your Risk
If varicose veins run in your family, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting them yourself.
- Diet and exercise – Being overweight and unhealthy contributes to the risk of developing varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight prevents extra pressure being put on the veins. Regular exercise improves leg strength, vein strength, and overall circulation, all of which can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins. A diet rich in fibre and low in salt also lowers the risk of varicose veins.
- Keep moving – A sedentary lifestyle limits blood circulation, contributing to the development of varicose veins. If you sit while at work, take a walk every 30 minutes to keep blood flowing through your legs. If you’re standing for long periods at work, try to take a break every 30 minutes to sit down. If that’s not possible, transfer your weight between your legs to give each of them an intermittent break.
- Clothing – Avoid tight clothing, especially around the waist and pelvis. Additionally, avoid wearing high heels for long periods. Lower heels help tone calf muscles and reduce pressure on your legs.
If you have a family history of varicose veins, talk to a specialist about using compression hose or stockings. Compression stockings maintain consistent, gentle pressure on the legs, keeping blood from pooling in the veins and decreasing swelling in the legs.
Vein Screening
If you have a family history of varicose veins, it is important to get screened by a vein specialist to determine if you are developing varicose veins or venous reflux disease. It’s important to catch varicose vein symptoms early, as treatment is easier and more effective if it’s caught early. An ultrasound is a common screening test for leg venous circulation, which is a non-invasive method.
Treatment Options
For those experiencing varicose veins, sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy are two effective, minimally invasive treatment options. Treatment time can be as little as 30 minutes and prevents recurrence, even with large varicose veins. Depending on severity, multiple treatments per site may be required for best results.
Book a Consultation at Vein Care for More Help
Vein Care provides a range of skin care treatments including removing varicose veins and spider veins, including non surgical vein treatment. To find out more or to make an appointment for a consultation, please call our helpful patient service staff on 1300 730 100 or contact us online.
