Are you someone who is struggling with varicose veins in your daily activities? The large twisted veins in your body can be more than just a cosmetic concern.

Certain health issues and complications can arise from these varicose veins. Preventing varicose veins is significant.

Wondering what are the effective ways to prevent them? Have you tried certain remedies and found no result?

There's no need to feel down. Mykare Health is here to help you. Here are seven effective methods to prevent varicose veins and improve your day-to-day life.

What is Varicose Vein?

The World Health Organization defines varicose veins as "dilations of the veins that are often tortuous."

• In simple words, varicose veins are a painful condition of the legs where the veins become prominent and swell up.

• It is caused due to the malfunctioning of the valves of the vein. It leads to the pooling of the blood into the veins and creating the bulging shape of it.

• These are not just an aesthetic concern but can lead to discomfort, pain, and even more severe health issues if left untreated.

• They occur when veins become enlarged, overfilled with blood, and, as a result, are more visible under the skin.

Causes of Varicose Veins

We know veins and arteries supply oxygen through blood circulation throughout the body.

If the flow of blood is inhibited or becomes stagnant at some points the wall lining becomes thin. The thinning of the veins leads to pain in the affected area.

Damaged vein walls hinder blood circulation around the body. When the muscle relaxes the blood collects over increasing pressure around the area.

This build-up causes further stretching and twisting of veins, increased swelling, decreased blood flow, and potential blood clots.

Factors Contributing to Varicose Veins

Genetics: family history of varicose veins makes you more prone to this condition.

Age: As age increases the veins lose their strength leading to wear and tear.

Gender: Women are more prone to varicose veins, possibly due to hormonal changes.

Obesity: Being overweight puts additional pressure on your veins. So it is important to always maintain your weight.

Prolonged Standing/Sitting: This can hinder blood flow, especially in the legs. Elevations in legs or low exercises are needed in given intervals.

Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to varicose veins.

Who Can Suffer From Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can affect anyone, debunking the myth that it's solely an elderly issue.

Young adults, especially those in professions requiring long periods of standing or sitting, can also be susceptible.

Know More About Varicose Vein Treartment

7 Effective Ways of Preventing Varicose Veins

Regular exercise:

Treating varicose veins with exercise is a myth. But it can be used as a preventive measure. Exercise can ease the discomfort caused by varicose veins.

It will improve the circulation and tone of your muscles. This helps the veins correct the flow of blood to and fro the heart.

It also helps by elevating the existing symptoms.

Exercises that are suggested for varicose vein patients are:

Leg lifts: Before getting out of bed or before you sleep, you can do this kind of exercise. You can lie or sit down to do this. For this you have to lift one leg at a time, hold it for a few seconds, and slowly release it. Repeat the same method with the other leg. Do a couple of them daily

Walking: 30 minutes of walking, five days per week is recommended

Running: slow running or jogging is recommended

Cycling: can increase calf muscle strength. It helps in better circulation of blood

Apart from these common exercises swimming, calf raises, stretching, and yoga are also good.

Heavy weight lifting, abdominal scrunching, and other resistance exercises are best avoided as they may cause changes in the resulting blood pressure.

Healthy Weight Management:

Weight control is an important step towards a healthy life. Obesity is always a health issue of great concern. Varicose veins can occur as a result of restricted blood flow and additional pressure over your veins. Good health can be earned through regular exercise and healthy dietary practices.

Elevate Your Legs:

It is the easiest way to ease your discomfort for a short duration of time. Elevating the legs helps keep the blood pressure reduced, which can result in pain relief. Short intervals of elevating legs also help in alleviating other overall symptoms of varicose veins

Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting:

Longer periods of inactivity can hinder the blood flow. Devise strategies minimising the impact of prolonged standing or sitting. Take regular breaks to move around.

Wear Compression Stockings:

Compressions improve blood circulation and help relieve symptoms. Ensure medical compressions of proper size are used. They are generally not recommended to wear at night.

Follow a High-Fibre, Low-Salt Diet and Stay Hydrated:

Low salt in diet can prevent the swelling that worsen varicose veins. Good hydration supports healthy blood circulation

Wear Proper Outfits:

Avoid wearing tight fitted clothes especially around your waists, legs and groin. Tightness of outfits like skinny jeans reduces blood's ability to flow in and out of the legs.

Avoid High heels and foot wears that do not fit. They restrict blood flow in the lower limb. High heels also force ankles to bend forward. Hence they are not encouraged.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

Consult a physician if self-care measures haven't solved your concerns about the appearance and feel of your veins.

Watch out for the following signs: Ulcers, Bleeding, Blood Clots, and Pain.

Treatment options vary based on the condition's severity and include:

Conservative Treatment: Lifestyle changes and compression stockings.

Sclerotherapy with Microfoam: Injecting a solution that scars and closes those veins.

Adhesive Sealing: A medical adhesive closes the varicose veins.

Thermal-ablation: Heat is applied to the vein, causing it to close and seal.

Remember, dealing with varicose veins is manageable. Early actions make a big difference. A combination of prevention strategies and treatment options can significantly improve the quality of life for those dealing with this condition.

It is a common issue, and you are not alone. Making small changes in your daily habits can help you overcome the difficulties.

And if things get tough, we are here to help. Mykare Health platform brings you easy access and assistance to your journey to healing varicose veins.