Unfortunately, dealing with varicose veins can be a common occurrence. However, learning how to prevent varicose veins can be easier than you think. The condition is known to have a major impact on an individuals’ appearance and can be very painful. Furthermore, it can even lead to various other complications if not dealt with, including sores, blood clots, and skin ulcers.

Thankfully, varicose veins treatment options are available that can remove this unwanted problem. Keep reading to find out what varicose veins are, how to avoid varicose veins and more. 

Understanding Varicose Veins

Before we look at how to prevent varicose veins, it’s best to know how they occur. This condition develops when veins become twisted and enlarged. It’s possible for any vein that’s superficial to suffer from the issue. However, it’s typically your legs where the problem occurs. The reason for this is due to the amount of pressure caused by standing and walking.

Usually, the condition will only impact your appearance, as mentioned. Although sometimes there is the possibility of feeling significant discomfort and pain, with further issues developing. 

Tired Woman Feeling Pain in Leg, Taking off Shoes

Symptoms That Can Occur

Specific symptoms indicate if you have varicose veins. These include the following visual changes and symptoms you feel: 

Visual changes: 

  • Veins can be seen quickly and are dark purple or blue in color.
  • Veins seem to appear twisted and bulging. 

Symptoms you feel:

  • Legs ache or feel constantly heavy.
  • Muscles cramping, or throbbing along with swelling in the impacted area
  • Extreme pain from sitting or standing for a long duration
  • Regular itchiness around a certain area
  • Skin color changes around a vein 

Risks That Heighten the Chance of Developing the Condition

Certain factors can increase the possibility of this condition developing, on top of the other causes already mentioned. Therefore, it’s important to know how to stop varicose veins from getting worse. 

  • A person’s age – Older age can significantly increase the risk of varicose veins developing. This is due to vein valves becoming worn, which impacts blood flow. As a result, the blood may stagnate, causing the issue to occur.
  • Gender – This complication is more likely to be faced by women than men. This is because hormonal changes before your period make vein walls more relaxed. Furthermore, the same can happen during pregnancy or menopause. Additionally, birth control is always a possible contributing factor to this condition. 
  • Staying still for long periods – In the same position, it can be hard for blood to flow normally, making it a possible risk for this issue to occur. 
  • Obesity – Extra pressure is put onto your veins due to added weight. 
  • Family history – The risk of varicose veins is heightened if family members suffer from the condition.  
  • Pregnancy – For pregnant mothers, the volume of blood increases to support the fetus during development. However, as a result, it may enlarge veins throughout your legs, making the risk of the issue higher. 

Further Issues Due to Varicose Veins

  • Ulcers – Ulcers may arise around the skin near the compromised vein. Moreso, around ankles. If you notice a skin spot that seems different in color, this typically indicates an ulcer appearing. It’s always best to consult a medical professional if you believe one is appearing.
  • Blood clots – When veins are deep within your legs, they may become enlarged. This causes a considerable amount of pain and swelling. If this continues for an extended period, it may be a blood clot. To avoid worry, contact a health specialist to confirm what the problem is.
  • Bleeding – Veins close to the skin can bleed. However, the bleeding isn’t severe. Either way, this should be checked when it happens. 

How to Prevent Varicose Veins

There are many varicose veins treatment types to help remove the condition. Many of these include simple changes to your lifestyle and can be achieved without great expense when learning how to avoid varicose veins. We will also cover surgery options for those looking for quicker results when finding solutions to stop varicose veins from getting worse.

Your Diet

The first change that must be considered when learning how to stop varicose veins from getting worse is changing your diet. A good start point for helping blood flow without this condition developing is following these diet tips:

  • Whole wheat rather than white flour
  • Brown rice rather than white rice
  • Reduce processed sugar
  • Increase ‘rutin’ consumption (blackberries, apples, apricot, grapes, and buckwheat) 

What You Wear

Another way to understand how to avoid varicose veins is by looking at your clothing choices. Tight-fitting clothes are known to restrict blood flow when worn for long periods. Therefore, to help alleviate this, try wearing some loose-fitting clothes to allow blood to circulate freely, helping enhance the overall health of your veins.  

When it comes to shoes, in particular high heels, they are known to worsen the issue. Wearing comfortable shoes that don’t put added pressure on your veins should reduce the condition. 

Keep Legs Moving

Many of us spend a lot of time in the same position. When this happens, the blood in the veins can pool, eventually leading to varicose veins appearing. Do varicose veins go away if you move around more frequently? Yes. By regularly moving around and changing your position, you’ll be ensuring blood is moving freely throughout your body, especially your legs.

Exercising Regularly

When exercising is concerned, there are many overall benefits it will provide to your health. When it comes to how to avoid varicose veins, a non-strenuous workout routine can ensure they do not occur, or if you have the condition, they are removed. 

This varicose veins treatment can work by doing as little as walking for 20 minutes twice a week to help solve the issue. For those with busy schedules, consider taking the stairs where possible to keep blood flowing.

Use Compression Stockings

A possible solution may be compression stockings for those who suffer from this issue due to chronic problems. Consult your doctor to find out if this option is right for you. Compression stockings consist of tailored socks that help enhance circulation and prevent blood from pooling. This combats both the appearance and the pain that comes with varicose veins. Typically, this option will require a prescription. 

Compression Hosiery. Medical Compression Stockings and Tights for Varicose Veins and Venouse Therapy

Cosmetic and General Surgery

Different surgical options are available to combat the appearance of varicose veins. Along with treating the symptoms you may feel. For more information, contact us for a doctor. 

Do Varicose Veins Go Away?

Are you wondering if varicose veins go away on their own, the options mentioned provide ways to help reduce the symptoms and appearance caused by the condition. However, it’s unlikely they will just disappear on their own.  

Talk to a Specialist

For expert advice on varicose veins or any of the conditions that come as a result of the issue, book an appointment today. Located in Palm Beach County, Florida, Advanced Surgical Physicians have you covered.

Our team of health specialists can examine the condition closely and provide the appropriate response to treating it. Even if you’re unsure precisely what issues you are facing, book an appointment for complete peace of mind.