Varicose veins can appear when locally increased blood pressure weakens the walls and valves of your veins, causing the veins primarily in the legs to become enlarged and twisted. There are several causes, including pregnancy, obesity, and standing for extended periods.
Varicose veins can be surgically treated, but there are several other treatment options: laser vein therapy and Sclerotherapy, both of which offer practical ways to reduce or eliminate problematic varicose veins.
Just like other physical problems that can lead to pain, discomfort, or distress, finding ways to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place is always preferable to trying to resolve it afterward.
In the case of varicose veins, there are several ways you can reduce the chance of developing or prevent the possible recurrence of veins after treatment.
Maybe this is obvious, but the best way to avoid blood pressure issues that can lead to varicose veins is to keep your body, most notably your leg muscles toned, and keep your blood pressure and weight within recommended guidelines. Increasing physical activity is a great way to improve general health, and the following exercises can also help target some of the leading causes of varicose veins.
1. Walking and Running
Perhaps the easiest way to start improving your health is to increase the distance you walk on a regular basis. Numerous devices can help you track your activity. Yet, the only thing required is just getting SOME form of exercise in your normal routine, rather than just a special activity that ends up being deferred (or even forgotten) on a regular basis.
If you’re a runner, even for short distances, that’s so much the better. Also, taking the stairs instead of the elevator (even for a floor or two) is a particularly effective way to target your calf and thigh muscles. However, simply walking more will also definitely help.
2. Flexing and Stretching Your Legs
Extended periods of standing or sitting can result in poor blood circulation over time. Even if you have to remain static, try to adjust your position regularly. Stretch your legs and flex your calf muscles to promote blood circulation and reduce any pressure spots.
You can target calf muscles while still remaining seated by placing your feet flat on the floor and alternating between raising your toes and raising your heel; you can achieve a similar result by rocking your feet the same way with one or both legs stretched straight out in front of you.
Merely squeezing your thighs, wiggling your toes, or lifting your legs are also useful ways to stimulate blood circulation in your legs.
3. Yoga
Widely recognized as a great way to improve your general physical and mental well-being, yoga can also be used to strengthen and tone your leg muscles. There are, of course, several different types of yoga, each with its preferred poses and methods. The bottom line is that even though you may not consider yoga as effective as more dynamic forms of exercise, it can nevertheless be a highly effective way to improve your general health. Your instructor can also point you towards poses that will directly benefit the blood circulation in your legs.
Other Ways to Help Prevent Varicose Veins
There are still other ways to reduce the chance of getting varicose veins –
- Avoid tight or restrictive clothing
- Avoid the extended use of high heels
- Avoid prolonged static body positions
Your doctor may also be able to supply additional guidelines and suggestions for minimizing any blood circulation problems.
Your Laser Skin Care can provide you with advice on the best ways to treat varicose or spider veins – we have extensive experience providing both laser vein therapy and Sclerotherapy treatments. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation or visit us online for more information.
