After years of enjoying your shapely, sexy legs, the last thing you want to deal with is varicose vein, the dreaded blue-green bulging veins that invade most commonly in the leg region and can wreak havoc on both your fashion abilities and your health.
Poor circulation is at the root of varicose vein problems. Healthy veins are lined with fish scale-like valves all pointing in one direction, which keeps the blood flow also following in only one direction. Unhealthy veins are weak and can be lacking the strength of these valves, which permits blood to reverse its flow and collect in the veins. This pooling of blood is the resultant bulge that you see when looking at a varicose vein.
Varicose veins are generally the result of genetics or hormonal fluctuations, although they can also be brought on by other factors, such as frequently lifting heavy objects, obesity and even pregnancy. All these things can weaken veins, either through excess stress on the vein walls, or through hormonal effects that weaken the veins. Other common habits can also increase your risk of developing varicose veins, such as repeatedly crossing your legs, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, and especially not getting enough exercise.
Besides being unsightly, varicose veins can be extremely painful. Blood and other fluids may leak out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue causing itchiness, and scaly skin. If you choose not to treat this condition, it will most likely worsen over time, resulting in the need for invasive surgery.
If varicose veins are making it too painful for you to walk or the skin around the bulging vein develops additional problems, such as redness and inflammation, discoloration and peeling skin, or skin sores, or if you ankles become swollen, you should call your doctor right away to seek out immediate treatment. However, before varicose veins take over your legs and your life, costing you valuable time. There are steps you can take to control varicose veins and actually get rid of them for good!
Make sure not to sit or stand for too long and try not to cross your legs too much, which can cut off circulation to the rest of the body. Avoid tight clothing, shoes, belts and jewellery that cut off circulation. Elevate your legs whenever possible, such as during sleep by using a foam wedge or a pillow, which helps blood circulate back up to the rest of the body. These few minor adjustments can improve circulation and reduce the risk of developing or worsening varicose veins.
Many nutrients are involved in blood circulation and can strengthen vein walls, like vitamins C and E. Low-impact exercise, such as bicycling, swimming or walking can improve circulation, but be careful to stay away from high-impact exercises, like running, which can worsen symptoms. If you can follow these few simple tips, you will not only help reduce the occurrence and appearance of troublesome varicose veins, you also improve the health of your whole body and your whole beauty.