How Do I Keep My Varicose Veins from Getting Worse?

If you have varicose veins, the last thing you want to happen is to make things worse. Uncontrollable factors like your genes may have caused your varicose veins to develop. But fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep this condition manageable, if not reverse it completely. All it takes is for you to make simple changes to your lifestyle. 

Lose Weight

If you’re overweight, you can prevent new varicose veins from forming simply by slimming down. At the very least, don’t add more weight to your body. Overweight and obese individuals place more stress on their legs. The heavier you become, the more likely varicose veins will develop. Of course, losing weight provides other health benefits apart from preventing varicose veins from worsening. It can also reduce your risk of developing other health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. 

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise gives two ways of preventing your varicose veins from getting worse. First of all, it helps in weight loss, reducing the pressure on your legs. Second, it helps develop your leg muscles. Doing leg exercises strengthens your leg muscles and prevents new varicose veins from forming. Having stronger leg muscles helps your veins push blood up from your legs. It counters the role gravity plays in the development of varicose veins. 

Avoid Sitting for a Long Time

If you have varicose veins and work in an office, you can worsen your condition by remaining seated for a long time. Don’t forget to take a break at least every 30-60 minutes. Use that time to stand up and walk around, which forces your leg muscles to move and push blood to your heart. On the other hand, standing for a long time can also lead to more varicose veins. If your job requires you to stand for long periods, move your legs every now and then by marching in place. The key is to avoid being sedentary. 

Seek Professional Treatment

One of the best ways to prevent varicose veins from getting worse is to seek professional help as soon as you see them forming. Treating varicose veins is best preformed by vein experts who specialize in vein treatments.  

Dr. Madan has 25 years of experience treating circulatory conditions, including varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling. Before opening the Center for Varicose Veins, Dr. Madan served as the Head of Phlebology (a branch of medicine dealing with vein diseases) at the Fairfield and Wilton locations of Vein Clinics of America. 

Don’t wait for those varicose veins to get worse. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Madan today.

Author

Dr. Vinay Madan, MD, DABVLM Dr. Vinay Madan is a board certified Interventional Radiologist and Phlebologist with over 25 years of experience in treating vein disease. Dr. Madan has served as the Chairman of Radiology and Section Head of Vascular Interventional Radiology at Eastern Connecticut Health Network. Dr. Madan brings a wealth of knowledge which allows him to treat patients with cosmetic and medical vein disease in a caring and compassionate way.