Delaware state character riding a bike toward healthier veinsOur veins are pretty amazing when you think about it. Within a mere minute, these courageous vessels undertake the Herculean task of transporting a whole gallon of blood from the tiniest of veins back to the command centers of our heart and lungs. This amounts to over 1,800 gallons each day! However, when these veins malfunction, our blood regresses and accumulates, resulting in the emergence of large, swollen, or itchy veins.

 

If you’re stumbling upon the rocky path of vein discomfort, don’t fret. There are millions of women and men with vein diseases like spider and varicose veins. Since there’s a populous community of vein-vexed individuals, there’s also a plethora of treatments out there.

 

With lifestyle tweaks, you have the power to improve vein health. By embracing these changes, you could reduce the look of visible veins and give a boost to their overall wellness.

1.Embrace the Wonders of Walking

 

Walking is good for you, you don’t say? Obvious as it may sound, the underestimated power of a half-hour jaunt can greatly benefit your overall health.

 

Walking just 30 minutes a day is a great way to circulate the blood in your legs and feet. That’s because when you walk, the muscles in your legs help push blood through your veins, decreasing pressure in your varicose veins.

 

Here are some other benefits that a simple stroll can bestow:

 

  • Prevents Venous Stasis: Venous stasis refers to the pooling of blood in the veins due to sluggish blood flow. This can lead to varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. Walking aids the pumping action of calf muscles, which helps blood return to the heart.
  • Reduces Blood Pressure: Regular walking can help reduce high blood pressure. Decreasing this risk can further reduce stress on your veins and fight off conditions such as atherosclerosis.
  • Promotes Vascular Health: Walking can stimulate the release of nitric oxide. This is a molecule that plays a key role in maintaining the health and elasticity of blood vessels.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

 

Consistent hydration lends itself to a fluid ballet of circulation. It keeps your blood thin and gives the cold shoulder to blood clots. So, throughout your day, indulge in a minimum of eight 8-ounce portions of life’s most sustainable liquid: water.

3. Shed A Few Pounds

 

Extra weight puts a strain on your heart and organs and can make varicose veins worse. Alternatively, losing weight can alleviate vein-related pain and swelling. It also slows the formation of new varicose veins, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of venous insufficiency.

 

Any other benefits weight loss can have on your vein health? A big one is that it decreases chronic inflammation, a condition that can lead to endothelial dysfunction and impair blood vessel tone and immune function. Inflammation can also cause direct damage to the walls of veins, which can then lead to phlebitis. All in all, weight loss is clearly a good thing for your vein health.

4. Go Easy on the Salt

 

Salt—our dear, savory accomplice in many a culinary endeavor—is annoyingly good at causing water retention in your blood. When you eat salty food, the extra fluid in your bloodstream makes your veins work harder. The result is higher blood pressure and increased strain on the delicate walls of your veins.

 

How do you solve your salt dependency? Try looking for low-sodium food alternatives to your favorite snacks. Or use substitutes like lemon and lime juice, pepper, vinegar, or other flavorful spices. And, start easing back on the amount of salt you use. Your palate will adjust and you’ll find you need less to enjoy your food.

 

5. Quit Smoking

 

Smoking unleashes chaos on the lungs, creating pandemonium in the arteries and putting you on the fast track for an assortment of cardiovascular calamities. The chemicals in tobacco are guilty of removing oxygen from the blood and transforming it into a viscous liquid akin to a poorly made pudding. This can increase your blood pressure, cause blood clots to form, and prevent proper circulation.

 

Let’s not forget that nicotine also causes your veins to become rigid and narrow. This decreases the amount of blood that can flow through your circulatory pathways, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and resulting in increased blood pressure. Ceasing this hazardous habit will not only be a boon to your vein health, it will also be a grand favor to your overall well-being.

Arrow pointing from cigarette to water

6. Raise Your Legs and Feet

 

Elevating your legs will keep blood from pooling in your lower leg. This will reduce swelling and improve overall blood flow. So aim to routinely lift your legs to the same level as your heart or higher. You can do this through exercises like ankle circles, leg lifts, or pedaling your legs in the air.

 

If it’s comfortable for your body to do so, recline on your back and impersonate a human ‘L’ against a wall. For an added layer of luxury, bring a plush pillow into the fold, sliding it under your back. Just think of this as business class accommodation for your circulatory journey.

 

7. Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing

 

If your lifestyle involves prolonged periods of sitting or standing, heed this golden nugget of advice: stretch often. Do not underestimate the magic of a little bend and flex to help your legs from hurting. This helps dissipate any traffic jams in your circulatory highway. When confined to a chair, resist the allure of the crossed-leg position. This can create roadblocks for blood flow to your lower extremities. So keep those limbs stretched and legs uncrossed.

 

8. Ditch the High Heels

 

High heels are the quintessential paradox of footwear: stunningly attractive yet shockingly detrimental to your veins and your entire lower body! They cunningly curtail the freedom of your foot and ankle and your calf muscle is left floundering, unable to muster the strength to send the blood back up to your heart and lungs.

 

Our advice? Look to a humble low-heeled sandal, versatile sneaker, or sturdy boot. You may have to sacrifice a bit of high glamor, but these styles are a much better option to improve vein health.

Arrow pointing from heels to sneakers

 

Taking Steps Forward: Simple Ways to Improve Vein Health

 

These tips may be simple individually, but when combined, they can lead to a positive chain reaction of improved vein health. And when your veins are healthy, they won’t be visible on the surface or cause chronic discomfort and pain.

 

While these lifestyle changes may improve vein health, they are not a permanent solution. If you have experienced prolonged vein problems, consult with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you. Most vein procedures today are non-invasive and covered by most insurance companies. So make sure to find a doctor that specializes in your vein problem to ensure you get the best results possible.

Filed under: Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, Vein HealthTagged with: , , , ,

woman holding her pained legMany people spend more time on their feet than they’d like due to their lifestyle or career. Some jobs need “all boots on the ground” to perform specific duties. Countless hours on your feet can wreak havoc on your legs and veins. If this is the case for you, you’ve probably had your share of leg pain at the end of the day. When your muscles are this tired, your legs feel like they need an extended lunch break to recover.

Why Standing Causes Leg Pain

 

Being on your feet can cause some pretty uncomfortable symptoms. These can even turn into medical conditions. Sitting or standing for long periods can cause blood to pool in the leg veins. This increases pressure within the veins, causing them to stretch. This may weaken the walls of the veins and damage the valves. 

 

While leg pain can have many causes, some forms of pain can indicate a more serious condition. If you experience burning, aching, swelling, or heaviness, especially in your calf area, see your medical provider. They’ll be able to evaluate your condition and give you the proper diagnosis. A common diagnosis is venous insufficiency.

What Causes Venous Insufficiency?

 

Your veins have one-way valves that push blood from your legs to your heart. But with added wear and tear, these valves can weaken. They may not function as well as they used to. This can result in a medical condition called venous insufficiency. Prolonged standing can contribute to venous insufficiency along with other factors such as:

  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy and hormones
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyles

How to Deal With Pain From All-Day Standing

 

Different jobs and lifestyles can vary the number of hours spent standing. There’s no one size fits all answer for exactly how long is too long. If you feel pain or discomfort from prolonged standing, try taking 10-15 minute breaks. Do this until your discomfort subsides and you are able to get back at it. 

 

While being chained to a desk and sitting for prolonged periods can be hard on your health, there are specific pains that come with jobs where all-day standing is required. Here’s what people in different types of professions can do to avoid and relieve pain.

Retail

Retail jobs require a lot of time on the sales floor assisting customers. They also involve stocking shelves and ringing up merchandise at the cash register. Wearing shoes with arch support and padded insoles can help avoid leg pain at the end of your shift. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of comfortable footwear options out there. Find a shoe that works for your store’s dress code. 

Teaching

Being a teacher requires patience as well as time on your feet throughout the school day. Teachers are often standing or moving around from student to student. Taking a short break to sit and elevate your feet can help relieve some of the pressure and avoid swelling. You can also elevate your feet at night to further reduce the pressure on your legs. 

Food Service

Chefs, servers, and bakers are always on their toes making and serving food. Long, busy hours and hard floors can often lead to aches and pains. Non-slip mats with holes can ease the pressure from standing on a concrete floor all day.

Hair Styling

Hair stylists spend countless hours on their feet giving us that fresh cut and color. But when it comes to leg pain at the end of the day, it can be a real blowout. Having good posture along with the right shoes can make a difference when your legs are aching and tired. 

Healthcare

Whether performing medical procedures or providing basic care, healthcare workers are always busy. Assisting patients with various duties during long shifts is taxing on the legs. Compression stockings can help take the edge off of pain and ease discomfort after a hectic day. 

7 More Ways To Help Relieve Leg Pain

 

Need more solutions for soothing leg and foot pain? Here are some simple strategies that’ll do the trick. 

Stay Hydrated

Hydration can reduce leg cramps and discomfort. Aim to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. This avoids dehydration and painful leg cramps. 

Cold Compress

A cold compress can offer comfort by reducing inflammation. Use an ice bag or frozen peas and apply to the affected area. Hold for approximately 15 minutes and soak up that icy feeling of relief.

Compression

As we’ve mentioned, compression can be helpful for leg pain. Wrapping a bandage and using compression stockings can reduce swelling. To apply, firmly wrap the affected area. Just be sure to avoid applying the bandage too tight. 

Over-the-Counter Painkillers

To instantly get rid of leg pain, over-the-counter medicines can do the trick. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are helpful with pain relief and inflammation. 

Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salt breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. This may help relax muscles, reducing swelling and pain. To create an Epsom salt bath, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a bath with running water and stir until dissolved. Once everything’s combined, soak for about 15 minutes to maximize comfort. 

Massage

Massage therapy by a professional therapist can be very beneficial. Massages can enhance blood flow, relieving inflammatory cells and discomfort in your legs. 

Muscle Relaxers

If you haven’t gotten relief from your leg pain, you may need a muscle relaxer prescription. These work to alleviate muscle spasms and pain. Avoid operating heavy machinery or drinking alcohol while on muscle relaxers until you know how they affect you. Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have.

Get Rid of Leg Pain for Good

 

Most everyone will experience leg discomfort at some point. But people who spend extended periods of time on their feet are more likely to experience this. Luckily, there are many simple ways to lessen the pain. If your discomfort becomes constant or severe, contact your doctor. This can help you avoid a potentially serious health problem.

Filed under: Vein HealthTagged with: , , , , ,

Brown-stained legs magnified to show blood leaking out of veins just under the skinDo you have any concerns about your legs turning a reddish-brown color? This could be an indication that the veins in question are suffering from hemosiderin staining and potential problems with their health.

 

As we get older, it’s normal for our skin to thin, dry out, and lose elasticity. But it can be more concerning when you notice unusual changes in color and texture on your knees, legs, or ankles. If you notice a brown discoloration on the lower legs, it could point out a problem with your veins. For this reason alone, it’s important to understand why brown skin stains appear and what you can do to treat them.

What Is Hemosiderin Staining?

 

Hemosiderin staining occurs when red blood cells leak through the veins and iron or other byproducts are released. The brown stain shows up on the skin as a result of this symptom, which can happen for several reasons.

 

What Causes Hemosiderin Staining?

Chronic Vein Disease

 

In addition to its unsightly appearance, hemosiderin staining indicates an underlying health condition. The reddish-brown discoloration on the lower legs is caused by chronic venous disease–the abnormal function of veins.

 

When your veins can’t pump blood back up to the heart properly, it pools in your lower legs. Symptoms start with slight skin irritations and itchiness, then manifest varicose veins. Other vein disease symptoms that can lead to brown staining are:

  • High blood pressure – veins force blood through the veins and sometimes through the skin.
  • Vein ulcers – slow-healing or non-healing wounds.

 

As blood continues to pool in the veins, its cells break down and leak iron pigments into the skin. Over time, this shows up as brown patches or stains on the lower leg or ankle. When unaddressed, the stain will darken and eventually may turn black. At this point, these symptoms are unfortunately permanent even when vein disease is treated. BUT! If caught early enough, chronic venous disease can be controlled and hemosiderin staining will fade.

orange personified as a person with brown-red stains on her legs, shows how it is caused by sclerotherapy needle

Sclerotherapy Staining Side-Effect

 

Sclerotherapy is one of the treatment options for vein disease and varicose veins. It involves the injection of a substance known as a sclerosant into the affected veins. This makes the veins reduce in size.

 

In some cases, this treatment may leave the patient with brown skin discoloration as a result of hemosiderin (iron) deposits. This discoloration is usually transient and disappears in a couple of weeks; however, in some people, the stain ends up being permanent.

 

If you are considering sclerotherapy treatment, consider the following factors that are associated with the hemosiderin staining side effect:

  • Dark skin type
  • Sensitive skin
  • Older patients with fragile veins
  • Taking certain medication
  • Experience of the vein doctor

Treating the Condition, NOT the Symptom

 

Most patients will go to a dermatologist or primary care physician for the skin condition, not the underlying vein disease of hemosiderin staining. As a result, they may not get an accurate diagnosis.

 

If you have brown skin discoloration on the knees, lower legs, or ankles, make an appointment with a vein specialist as this could be early signs of vein disease…especially if accompanied by achy, heavy, and swollen legs.

 

Early treatment of your vein disease may help lighten the brown stains caused by hemosiderin staining, and even keep them from getting darker. Once diagnosed, the goal is to reroute the blood to healthier veins and fade unwanted veins, stains, and pains. The sooner you treat your vein condition, the better you’ll feel and the fewer complications you’ll experience.

Filed under: Varicose Veins, Vein Health, Vein TreatmentTagged with: , , , , , ,