If you have varicose veins, spider veins, or other forms of venous disease, colder seasons can take a toll on your legs. Here we’ll look at what happens to your veins in colder temperatures and how it affects your veins’ overall function.
Positive Effects of Cold Weather on Your Veins
Less Discomfort:Cold temperatures can actually cause your veins to shrink. This makes it easier for the vein valves to function and decrease the pressure around the ankles and calves. As a result, this could mean fewer cramps and swollen ankles!
Negative Effects of Cold Weather on Your Veins
Circulatory Problems: When the temperatures drop enough for it to snow, the atmospheric pressure changes. This can cause your circulatory system to become less efficient, which can aggravate vein problems.
Weight Gain: It’s common during the holiday months to gain a few extra pounds. That means your legs are under more stress to pump blood back to your heart. Despite the cold weather, try to stay active. This will keep the valves pumping blood through the veins.
How to Maintain Vein Health in Winter
Here are a few ways to keep the symptoms of varicose veins in check during the colder months:
Elevate your legs for 30 minutes before you go to sleep.
Try some light stretching in the morning, at midday, and before bed.
Massage your ankles and lower legs when possible.
See a Vein Specialist
There are many things you can do to address the current symptoms of varicose veins and prevent future varicose veins from forming. But, once a vein has become varicose, it’s impossible to treat without medical attention. Seeking a vein specialist is recommended to address your vein issues.
At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, our medical staff has years of experience helping people with their spider and varicose veins. We would love to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients.
We all know that a healthy diet is beneficial for your overall health. But did you know that eating certain foods can actually impact your vein health as well?
If you have varicose or spider veins, consider eating these foods to improve your vein health and prevent further vein damage.
Foods High in Rutin
Many specialists agree that the best foods for varicose veins are those high in rutin, a plant pigment found in certain fruits and vegetables. Rutin is a “vasoprotective,” meaning it protects blood vessels.It can strengthen weak capillaries that could develop into varicose veins. Rutin is also, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antioxidant.
Foods that contain rutin include:
apple
buckwheat
grapes
cherries
apricots
blackberries
avocados
Foods High in Water
Drinking water is one of the best ways to improve your vein health. It helps circulate the blood by making it thinner and helps strengthen the muscles that support the veins. Choosing foods high in water content, like cucumbers or watermelon, will help your veins stay hydrated.
Other water-rich foods include:
strawberries
cantaloupe
peaches
oranges
broths and soups
zucchini
celery
tomatoes
Foods High in Vitamins & Minerals
Your body needs vitamins and minerals (aka micronutrients) to function properly. They not only nourish the body but also reduce your risk of diseases, especially vein disease. Eating nutrient-rich foods will give your body the power it needs to protect and strengthen the arteries, veins, and heart from damage that lead to varicose veins.
Foods that contain vitamins & minerals include:
Avocado
Asparagus
Berries
Citrus Fruits
Leafy Greens
Bananas
Fish
Healthy Food AND Vein Treatment
While a healthy diet isn’t a substitute for vein treatment bya vein specialist, paying attention to the foods you consume can help you manage your varicose veins and spider veins. But the best approach to better vein health is to combine exercise, diet, and vein treatment.
If your legs are painful, itchy, or swelling, it could lead to a serious medical condition, especially if you don’t seek medical help. In this case, food won’t help as much as vein treatment.
At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, our medical staff has years of experience helping people with their spider and varicose veins. We would love to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients.
The lure of all-natural ingredients (plus the convenience of skipping a doctor’s visit) is hard to resist. Many people try food and other items to treat the appearance and discomfort of varicose veins. But this begs the question: Do these home remedies for varicose veins actually work?
The answer is a yes and no. DIY varicose vein remedies can help sooth symptoms like inflammation and discomfort, but they are not a permanent cure. Here, we dive into the pros and cons of popular varicose vein home remedies.
Are Varicose Vein Home Remedies Safe?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a solid yes or no answer to this question. We believe in the power of vein treatments like VNUS and ambulatory phlebectomy. It’s the sure fire way to permanently remove your varicose veins.
But, we understand the temptation to reach for ingredients in your kitchen pantry. Some home solutions can indeed soothe the skin if thoughtfully used. We urge patients to err on the side of caution when approaching DIY cosmetics. It’s not worth harming your skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Pros: Apple cider vinegar (AVC) improves blood flow and circulation. It’s also supposed to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins. Apply undiluted ACV to the skin over the varicose veins and massage it into the skin twice a day.
Cons: While it’s unlikely the use of ACV for varicose veins is harmful, there is little research and proof to support this treatment as successful.
Epsom Salt
Pros: Epsom salt may help improve the blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and decrease varicose vein size. It can improve magnesium deficiencies in the body which are important for tissue development. Dissolve the salts in warm bath water and soak the affected areas.
Cons: Epsom salt is great for soothing the discomfort and inflammation caused by your varicose veins, but it will not make them go away.
Aloe Vera
Pros: Aloe Vera can have many benefits on varicose veins. The gel can relieve itchiness, which is a problem in patients with varicose veins. It can also reduce swelling and reduce pain. When massaged into the skin, aloe vera may improve blood circulation.
Cons: Aloe Vera can ease irritation and discomfort caused by varicose veins but it is only temporary. For a permanent solution, you need to seek medical vein treatment.
Peppermint Oil
Pros: Peppermint oil has cooling and soothing properties. It helps reduce pain and discomfort caused by poor blood circulation. The oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation. Warm the oil in your hands and massaging the area affected by varicose veins.
Cons: You’ll still suffer from underlying health complications related to varicose veins even after using peppermint oil.
Combine DIY Varicose Vein Remedies with Lifestyle Changes
These vein remedies will bring relief, but you need to commit to some lifestyle changes to prevent other varicose veins issues. The only way to improve the function and appearance of your veins is from the inside. Combine your vein care remedies with the following lifestyle adjustments:
Don’t sit or stand for long periods. If your work demands so, take breaks after every 30 minutes. Change your position, walk a little, stretch or stand for a while. Just don’t be in the same position for long periods of time.
Don’t sit with crossed legs or crossed ankles.
Keep your legs elevated even when you lie down or sleep.
Exercise regularly. Cardiovascular exercises and strength training all are beneficial for your vein health. Walking too improves your blood circulation.
Lose weight. Being overweight is one of the major causes of varicose veins.
Eat a balanced diet. Include more fiber in your meals. Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants are good for you and your blood circulation.
Skip the Trial & Error and Opt for Vein Treatment
We get it. It’s normal to wish for simple solutions. Choosing your home varicose vein treatment can be an attractive prospect, but it leaves too much to chance. The best way to find the right solution for varicose veins is to work with a certified vein specialist. They will check your veins, listen to your concerns, and provide personalized treatment. This approach is proven to provide visible, long-lasting results.
At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, our medical staff has years of experience helping people with their spider and varicose veins. We would love to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients.
If you want to ease the pain, discomfort, and visibility of your veins, you need to Improve your Vein Health.
Our veins are pretty amazing when you think about it. They move ALL our blood (over 1 gallon!) up towards the heart and lungs. But if they don’t work properly, the blood flows backward and pools, leading to large, swollen, or itchy veins.
If you experience vein discomfort like this, you’re not alone. Over 48 millionmen and women suffer from vein diseases like spider and varicose veins. But Good News! Not only are there treatments for it, but there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve your vein health.
The following lifestyle changes may help reduce the appearance of veins and improve their overall health. Seek treatment from a certified vein specialist to address your vein health concerns before the condition worsens.
1. Increase Your Physical Activity
Walking just 30 minutes a day is a great way to get moving and help the blood circulate in your legs and feet. When you walk, the muscles in your legs help push the blood through your veins, which will decrease the pressure in your varicose veins.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
When you stay hydrated, your blood tends to be thinner which makes it easier for your body to circulate. Thinner blood also makes clotting less likely to occur. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
3. Shed A Few Pounds
Extra weight puts a strain on your heart and organs and can make varicose veins worse. Losing weight can alleviate vein-related pain and swelling as well as slow the formation of new varicose veins.
4. Easy on the Salt
Salt retains water. When you eat salty food, the extra fluid in your bloodstream makes your veins work harder. The result is a higher blood pressure and strain on the delicate walls of your veins. Try looking for low-sodium food alternatives, or use substitutes like lemon juice when you want more flavor.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking damages your lungs, wreaks havoc on arteries, and puts you at risk for many other cardiovascular issues. The chemicals in tobacco remove oxygen and thicken the blood. The Nicotine also makes your veins harden and narrow. This causes the blood to flow at a much slower pace and ultimately, damages the function of your blood vessels.
6. Raise Your Legs and Feet
Elevating your legs will keep the blood from pooling in your lower leg. This will reduce swelling and improve overall blood flow. Aim to lift your legs at the same level as your heart or higher. If it’s comfortable in your body, lay on your back and place your legs up a wall. Place a fluffy pillow under your legs or back for added comfort and support.
7. Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing
If your job or lifestyle involves sitting or standing for long periods of time, it’s important that you stretch. Practice bending and flexing your legs periodically to keep the blood circulating and prevent pooling. Just raising your legs up and down can help with any backed-up blood flow. When sitting, try not to cross your legs as this can further restrict blood flow to the legs and feet.
8. Ditch the High Heels
When you wear high heels, it minimizes the range of motion in your foot and ankle. As a result, your calf muscle can’t properly pump the blood back up through your veins. This can cause the blood in the leg veins to pool and manifest varicose veins. It is recommended to find a flat shoe that offers support.
When your veins are healthy and happy, they won’t be visible on the surface of your skin or cause any discomfort and pain. While lifestyle changes may contribute to improved vein health, it is not a permanent solution.
If you have experienced prolonged vein problems, consult with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you. Vein procedures today are non-invasive and covered by most insurance companies. Make sure to find a doctor that specializes in veins to ensure you get the best results possible.
At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, our medical staff has years of experience helping people with their spider and varicose veins. We would love to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients.
