Varicose veins are generally caused by pressure in the vein that, over time, weakens the vessel walls. Learn about common causes and prevention tips of Varicose veins
2. Varicose veins — gnarled, dilated blood vessels. They
are generally caused by pressure in the vein that, over
time, weakens the vessel walls. varicose veins and spider
veins (their smaller, capillary-based cousins) are merely
unsightly nuisances, but they can also make walking and
standing extremely painful, and in extreme cases, they
can cause skin ulcers.
3. Staying Fit: Exercise Regularly
Walking and jogging improve circulation in the legs, and
proper circulation helps ward off the development and
worsening of varicose veins. Exercise also reduces
overall high blood pressure and strengthens your entire
circulatory system.
4. Standing in one place for a long time increases venous
pressure in the legs and feet. Over time, this pressure
weakens the blood vessel walls. Since prolonged
standing is almost unavoidable in some jobs, mitigate the
harm by shifting your position as frequently as possible,
and try to walk around at least every 30 minutes.
Avoid Prolonged Standing
5. Sit Properly
Sit up straight and don’t cross your legs. Good posture
improves circulation, while crossed legs restrict blood flow
to and from the legs
6. Excess weight will put undue pressure on your legs and
circulatory system. Reducing weight will reduce the risks
of varicose veins in many instances.
Maintain Healthy Weight
7. Eat Healthy Foods
Develop healthy eating habits and avoid foods with high
calorie and low nutrition content. As well, exercise
regularly. Through healthier eating and regular
movement, you’ll help to reduce your varicose vein risk.
8. Quit Smoking
Smoking contributes to myriad health problems, but if you
need one more reason, keep in mind that the high blood
pressure associated with smoking also helps cause
varicose veins.
9. Avoid taking high-estrogen birth
control pills
Long-term use of high-estrogen birth control pills has
been shown to increase the risk of varicose veins by
altering circulatory valve function
10. Put your feet up for a while
Especially if you have to stand up for long periods, take
time to relax your legs and improve circulation by
elevating your legs and feet for several minutes
throughout the day or when you finish your shift