EFFECTIVE WAYS TO GET RID OF VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

1. EFFECTIVE WAYS TO GET RID OF VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

2. Are you wondering how to get rid of varicose veins? Varicose veins can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms like leg swelling, cramping, itching, and fatigue. For some, these issues are only mildly disruptive. For others, they are completely debilitating. • Along with causing pain and discomfort, varicose veins can place you at increased risk for dangerous health conditions like blood clots and venous ulcers. One type of blood clot, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), is potentially life-threatening. • At USA Vein Clinics, many of our patients ask what helps varicose veins and for ways to get rid of spider veins. Below, we recommend a number of safe and effective methods that can help relieve your venous symptoms and allow you to take back control of your life.

3. How Varicose Veins Develop • To understand how to get rid of varicose veins on the legs, it is helpful to understand how they develop in the first place. Varicose and spider veins are caused by underlying vein disease, or venous insufficiency. Both genetics and lifestyle influences are contributing factors. • Vein disease is a common health condition that develops when tiny one-way vein valves in the legs become damaged and begin to malfunction. Veins become damaged due to factors like high blood pressure in the leg veins over time, due to sitting or standing for long periods, lack of exercise, smoking or a blood clot in a deep vein. When vein valves malfunction, blood can pool in the lower extremities. This leads to the formation of varicose veins.

5. How to Get Rid of Spider Veins and Varicose Veins • Some of the following remedies can be done at home, but others involve visiting a vein specialist. No matter which you decide to pursue, we want to make sure that you understand the benefits of minimally invasive, outpatient vein treatment at USA Vein Clinics (see tip number #9). • Here are our vein experts’ recommendations on what helps varicose veins: • 1. EVALUATE YOUR LIFESTYLE • To alleviate varicose vein symptoms, we recommend taking a look at your lifestyle. Do you struggle with your weight? Do you have a job that requires long periods of sitting or standing in one place? Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes? • If your answer is yes to any of these questions, we recommend taking action to make important lifestyle changes. When it comes to improving vein health, losing excess weight, exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and managing other underlying health conditions can help.

6. 2. PUT YOUR FEET UP • You may find some much-needed relief from swollen, achy legs by elevating them as often as you can. This position helps send pooled blood back towards your heart for reoxygenation. • When you are watching TV or sleeping, you can lie flat on your back and place several pillows or a wedge-shaped pillow under your feet. When stuck at your desk, go ahead and rest your feet on a nearby chair while you work. • 3. WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS • If you are picturing uncomfortable or unfashionable hose, we have good news. There has never been a better time to explore leg compression options for varicose veins. Today’s socks come in many fashionable colors and styles. • More importantly, wearing compression socks can help relieve swelling in your legs, promote better blood circulation, and keep you from developing additional venous problems.

7. 4. EXERCISE WISELY • Being physically active is one excellent way to keep your veins healthy. We suggest aiming for at least 30 minutes a day, five days per week. Aerobic exercises like walking, biking, swimming, and running are perfect options to get your blood flowing. • If you already have varicose veins, it may be a good idea to avoid lifting heavy weights. Unfortunately, strenuous exercise can sometimes cause further strain on your vein valves. • Before beginning any new exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with a medical professional. They will help you develop a personalized exercise routine based on your needs. • 5. MOVE AROUND THROUGHOUT THE DAY • Are you constantly sitting at your desk or standing in place for work? If so, we encourage you to take frequent breaks throughout the day to move around. You can even set an hourly reminder on your phone, watch, or computer. • When moving around isn’t possible, we recommend stretching out or gently massaging your legs, ankles, and calves. This helps promote blood circulation and may provide relief for your venous symptoms. • 6. EAT FOODS THAT HELP IMPROVE CIRCULATION • We encourage you to eat a healthy, well-rounded diet that includes foods and nutrients known for improving blood circulation. Look for foods rich in Vitamin E, foods with omega-3 fatty acids, citrus fruits high in Vitamin C, bulb plants, nuts, lycopene-rich foods, ginkgo biloba, ginger, cayenne pepper, and (our favorite) dark chocolate. • If you believe that you may benefit from additional nutritional guidance, you may wish to consider visiting a registered dietician.

9. 7. PRACTICE STRETCHING AND FLEXIBILITY EXERCISES • Aerobic exercise is not the only physical activity that can benefit your veins. Stretching and gentle movements, such as those found in yoga, can also promote better vein health. • In particular, we suggest the following yoga poses for improved leg circulation: Standing Forward Bend, Mountain Pose, Boat Pose, Legs Up the Wall, and Supported Shoulder Stand. • If you are a beginner, consider joining a class led by a certified yoga instructor. Also, remember to contact your doctor beforehand. • 8. VISIT A VEIN SPECIALIST • If you are experiencing symptoms of vein disease like leg swelling, aching, itching, heaviness, or cramping, we recommend visiting a vein specialist. You can make an appointment without a referral from your primary doctor. At your appointment, they will likely discuss your symptoms, perform a detailed physical examination, and order medical imaging when necessary. • Once diagnosed, you can begin to explore your treatment options. There are a variety of available varicose vein treatments that can quickly alleviate pain and discomfort.

10. 9. DISCOVER MINIMALLY INVASIVE VEIN TREATMENT • At USA Vein Clinics, we offer a range of minimally invasive vein treatments. All of our treatments are performed as outpatient procedures and can be completed during your lunch hour. • Our vein treatments aim to close off malfunctioning veins and divert blood flow to healthy surrounding veins. Afterward, patients are able to leave immediately and return to most normal activities. • We offer the following state-of-the-art treatment options: • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) • Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy • ClariVein® • VenaSeal™ Treatment • Varithena Vein Treatment • Varicose Vein Treatment at USA Vein Clinics • At USA Vein Clinics, we specialize in treating vein disease and its symptoms like varicose veins, spider veins, restless legs, and more. Our vein specialists can provide personalized recommendations on which treatment option is best for you. We want you to know that minimally invasive vein treatment is safe and effective. • Our experts don’t want you to suffer any longer. To get started on your path to recovery, simply contact us at 888.768.3467 or make an appointment online. We look forward to helping you get rid of your varicose veins and their painful symptoms.

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