Varicose veins may be unsightly, but for some people, they can be painful too. Those bluish-purple protruding veins you see at the back of their legs and feet often are more than just a cosmetic issue. They’re a real problem for most elderly parents, as they have to deal with the discomfort every day.
At their best, varicose veins are just problematic in their appearance. At worst, they can cause a lot of itching, pain, and bleeding, and could even be a red flag for a bigger problem with the circulatory system. If you’re in this situation, the quickest and easiest way to deal with it is to visit a reliable vein treatment clinic like Heart of Dixie Vein Center.
It’s not difficult to prevent varicose veins from appearing on your legs if you do the following:
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Eat healthy
A good diet that’s high in fiber and antioxidants can help fight inflammation and improve blood flow. Fiber, in particular, prevents constipation that leads to bloating and increased pressure on the blood vessels.
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Exercise regularly
If you’re particularly concerned about varicose veins, focus on activities that specifically work the legs. For older people or those concerned about their joints, low-impact exercises such as swimming and bicycling are recommended.
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Get some movement in your legs
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time without moving. If you must stand, walk around. And if you must sit, don’t sit cross-legged. If possible, keep your legs raised above the heart as much as you can.
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Minimize use of high heels and tight clothes
You ladies might love your high heels, but your high heels don’t love your veins so much. The same is true with tight-fitting clothes, especially those that close in around the waist and groin, as they restrict blood flow to the lower limbs.
If you’re bound to get varicose veins, you will most likely get varicose veins. But although you can’t change your genes and won’t be able to stop varicose veins, you can delay it.