Varicose Vein Prevention

Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when the valves in the veins are no longer functioning properly.  These valves work against gravity to help pump blood back to the heart when an individual is sitting or standing. When these valves are either damaged or destroyed, individuals may feel pain, numbness, cramps or heaviness in the legs. Swelling is another typical symptom of CVI.

Varicose veins can appear anywhere from the thigh to the foot.  Not only are they cosmetically unappealing, they can cause additional chronic pain and burn­ing. Symptoms of mild or extensive varicose veins can include skin breakdown, ulcers, and brownish skin pigmentation changes, which tend to be permanent and irreversible. The most severely affected patients may find that the skin inside their ankles becomes thickened, darkened, and prone to recurrent skin breakdown and painful ulcers (known as venous stasis ulcers) that often do not easily heal. CVI has been found to cause a significant reduction in the quality of life, similar to the impact caused by chronic heart, lung, or arthritic disease. 

There are some simple interventions that can reduce your risk of developing unsightly varicose veins.  
Here are some steps you can take for varicose vein prevention:

1. Maintain a normal body weight.

When you let your weight get out of control, you apply additional pressure to the veins in your lower extremities, creating a perfect environment for the development of varicose veins.

2. Avoid constipation.

Constipation and straining with bowel movements adds another source of potential back pressure on the veins in your legs, causing the veins to enlarge and develop into varicose veins. To avoid constipation, eat a high fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids. Not only does this aid in varicose vein prevention but can also improve your overall health.

3. Avoid prolonged sitting and standing.

Prolonged sitting and standing allows blood to pool in the lower extremities which can contribute to the formation of varicosities. If you work a desk job, get up every 20 minutes and walk around to promote good circulation. This can also help to prevent blood clots. If you must sit for a prolonged period of time, elevate your legs as often as possible. This is one of the best strategies for varicose vein prevention.

4. Consider investing in a good pair of compression stockings.

If you have a tendency towards the development of varicosities, invest in a good pair of compression stockings when you'll be sitting for prolonged periods of time. The gentle pressure of these stockings promotes venous return to the heart which helps to prevent varicose veins.

5. Exercise on a daily basis.

Exercise is a powerful weapon in the prevention of varicose veins. Choose an exercise that focuses on the calf muscles such as jogging, a fast walk, or stair climbing. The pumping action of the calf helps to promote venous return which prevents varicosity formation.

6. Avoid crossing your legs.

Leg crossing tends to put pressure on the veins in your lower extremities which can promote the formation of varicose veins.

7. Reduce your salt intake.

Increased sodium intake can cause leg and ankle swelling which not only puts additional stress on the lower extremity veins, but also causes small varicose veins to appear more prominent.

8. Avoid wearing tight clothing.

Tight clothing, especially tight shorts or girdles, can apply additional pressure to the veins of the lower extremities resulting in formation of varicosities.

9. Avoid wearing high heeled shoes.

Many people don't realize it, but your calf muscle doesn't pump blood as effectively out of the lower extremity when you're wearing heels. This encourages pooling of blood. To prevent varicose veins, wear a low heeled shoe, preferably a good exercise shoe with strong support.

Hopefully, by taking these measures for varicose vein prevention, you'll have a lifetime of varicose vein free legs. 

If you have varicose veins and you wish to seek relief from the symptoms, call our office to schedule a complementary* medical review and visual examination of your legs.  We offer state-of-the-art vein treatment that is covered by most insurance plans.  There is no more painful vein stripping, no down time, you walk immediately after the procedure and you get fast relief of symptoms!  Call Marci in our Vein Center today at 727-489-5404.

If you suffer from Varicose Veins, click here to read about our state-of-the-art treatment performed at The Heart & Vascular Institute of Florida!

*The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of the complementary examination.  Your complementary examination includes a 10 minute appointment with a nurse. If Venous Ultrasound diagnostic testing is recommended, it is considered a separate diagnostic test and will be billed to your insurance or paid out of pocket.