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Varicose veins can be really uncomfortable, even painful in some cases, and it can sometimes feel like nothing will ease them. At Harley Street Vein Clinic, we can take treat and remove varicose veins that have reached that level, but there are also steps you can take to reduce or even stop varicose veins from forming in the first place:
One of the best ways to help slow down the development of varicose veins is keeping moving and encouraging the blood to circulate in your body, particularly your legs. This doesn’t have to be an intense crossfit regime or joining an athletics team – walking is a particularly good exercise to encourage the blood to flow around your legs.
This isn’t just about how much you eat, although the less excess weight you have the less pressure is put on your veins. It’s also about what you eat, with salt causing water retention and swelling, so a high-fibre, low salt diet will help prevent varicose veins as well.
There’s a few fashion tips that can be followed to help your circulation and avoid varicose veins. Avoid high heels; not only are they painful, but low heels work your calf muscles more, which helps your veins. As well, be careful that you don’t wear clothes that are too tight around your legs, waist or groin. They can reduce the blood flow to your legs which increases the risk of varicose veins.
A good way to improve circulation in your legs is to lift your legs above the level of your heart. There are a few ways to do this, including lying down with your legs lifted up resting on a few pillows, but it is not the only method, and you should take several short breaks out of your day to do this.
Sitting or standing too long in one place is not good for your legs and can encourage the onset of varicose veins. Try to change your position frequently to encourage the blood flow to your legs.
Not only does it not feel comfortable, but some doctors have claimed that it can lead to an increase in circulation problems.