Snow, ice, face-freezing winds… Canada’s winters are notoriously harsh. But there might be a silver lining to our sub-zero temperatures for people who are living with varicose veins.
Hot weather conditions impede circulation and actually worsen the symptoms of varicose veins – which include swelling and aching legs – therefore it should come as no surprise that cold weather does the opposite.
Cold weather benefits for varicose veins
Firstly, cold weather causes your blood vessels to constrict, which allows the valves in your veins to work better and pump blood through your body more efficiently. In other words, cold weather can improve blood flow and circulation and reduce pain and pressure.
So although your teeth may be chattering, you’ll experience fewer cramps and heavy-feeling legs due to varicose veins. You might notice reduced swelling as well, since blood won’t pool as much in your legs like it does in hotter weather.
Cold weather concerns for varicose veins
Given the snowy and slippery conditions, it’s understandable that our activity levels tend to drop during the winter months. But even if you can’t get outdoors as easily, it’s important to stay active. A sedentary lifestyle decreases circulation and can aggravate the symptoms of varicose veins.
Ready to get rid of those varicose veins? Canada Vein Clinics provide state of the art treatments that remove varicose veins and stop them from coming back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about your treatment options. We have locations across Canada including Halifax, Moncton, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga, Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Kawartha Lakes, and our newest clinic – Belleville.
