Many patients wonder how they can prevent varicose veins from forming. It is critical to understand that as they are a progressive disease, once the varicose veins have begun to develop they will not go away without treatment. This being said, there are ways to prevent them from forming in the first place, or to slow their development once they have already appeared.
Regular exercise
To maintain proper blood circulation and avoid the development of varicose veins it is critical to stay active. Keeping the blood flowing in your legs helps to ensure that the valves in your veins function properly and do not cause the formation of venous disease. For people who have already developed varicose veins, exercising regularly is beneficial to keep your legs healthy. This will ultimately slow the progression of your venous disease. Regular exercise does not need to be strenuous as consistency is much more important than difficulty of exercise. We recommend aiming to walk as much as possible and partake in any type of physical activity that you may enjoy!
Wearing compression stockings
Compression stockings are extremely helpful when aiming to avoid the development of venous disease. The stockings help to keep the blood flowing in your lower extremities which helps maintain healthy veins. They work as prevention methods as they help to ensure your veins are efficiently working and not allowing blood to pool in your legs. They should be worn as frequently as possible and throughout the entire day for the best results.
Losing weight
For some people, the development of their varicose veins and the symptoms associated with them occurred as a result of weight gain. This being said, in many cases losing some weight will help to alleviate some of the symptoms of venous disease and help to slow its progression. If you are overweight and have not developed varicose veins, you are at risk of developing them. We recommend trying to lose weight to avoid venous disease.
Avoid long periods of inactivity (standing or sitting)
Long periods of either standing or sitting are large culprits in the progression of venous disease. Taking the approach of alternating between sitting and standing periods throughout the day can largely help to lower your chances of developing varicose veins or in the progression of the disease. This helps to avoid the blood pooling in your lower extremities. It is also beneficial to raise your legs above your heart level when seated to promote healthy blood circulation in the legs.
Contact us!
At Canada Vein Clinics we specialize in the treatment of varicose veins. We offer numerous treatments for this condition and help to find the best treatment for you. Book a consultation to find out more information! Give us a call today at 1-888-876-8346, or email us at askdoctor@canadaveinclinics.ca.
