6 Simple Ways to Prevent Varicose Veins

Here at Georgia Endovascular, we do everything we can to help prevent varicose veins. Now, they tend to develop when you sustain damage to your vein walls and valves, usually because of compromised blood flow and/or increased pressure. Then, the blood finds it harder to flow to the heart, allowing it to pool in your legs and stretch out your vein walls. Soon, they can swell and become visible through your skin.

Varicose Vein Symptoms

Other varicose veins symptoms include:
· veins that bulge, or appear to be blue or purple
· leg swelling, heaviness or pain
· skin that itches or changes color
· leg cramps, especially at night

Is it Possible to Prevent Varicose Veins?

While you can't avoid all varicose vein risk factors, you can take certain measures to protect your vein health.

1. Increase Your Water Intake
Staying hydrated can boost blood flow and muscle strength. Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water every two hours, but increase that intake if you're exercising or if you're a bigger individual.

At the same time, steer clear of foods that are high in sodium, since they can dehydrate you. And look for water-rich choices such as melons, peaches, strawberries, oranges, zucchini, celery and cucumbers.

2. Butt Out and Stop Drinking Alcohol
Cigarettes and excess alcohol can damage veins, impede circulation and raise blood pressure. To help prevent varicose veins, cut back on both habits.

3. Get Regular Exercise
Getting regular exercise helps improve blood flow in your legs—walking several times a week, for at least 30 minutes each time, will strengthen your calf muscles and improve your blood flow. Both will help prevent blood from pooling in your legs and putting pressure on your vein walls.

4. Elevate Your Experience
Propping your feet up above heart level, or placing your legs up against the wall, can help blood flow out of the legs and up to the heart.

5. Lose Weight
Carrying extra pounds puts extra pressure on your veins, so losing some weight could help improve the function of your circulatory system.

6. Get Compressed
Wearing compression socks, especially prescription pairs available in our vascular clinic, can help reduce your risk for developing varicose veins, as can all of the tips we just shared. However, depending on your individual risk, these may not be enough to prevent vein disease. So, for more support with your vein health, reach out and request an appointment with our team of vascular specialists in Georgia!