Spring is in the air, and even though the seasons are changing, the pain in your varicose veins remains constant. At Summit Skin & Vein Care, we understand how uncomfortable varicose veins can be. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things that you can do to help lessen the pain and put the spring back in your step.
Reduce Salt, Fat, and Sugar In Your Diet
Spring cleaning also includes improving what you eat and a spring assessment of your diet can help improve vein health.
By changing up your diet to reduce the amount of salt you consume, you’ll relieve some pain. Sodium that you consume causes the body to retain water. This causes your blood pressure to rise because your blood volume increases. This puts a strain on your veins and contributes to varicose veins.
Saturated Fats are very hard on veins and your body in general. It’s best to try and avoid food with high saturated fat because it can build up and form plaque. This plaque will narrow the vein canal, slowing blood flow, contributing to varicose veins.
Sugar also contributes to high blood pressure. However, before you switch to artificial sweeteners, you may want to know that they can be just as bad for your venous system as sugar.
Get Up On Your Feet and Move
One of the best things that you can do if you have varicose veins is to get your blood pumping. Regular exercise will help promote blood flow. This will help reduce the amount of blood pooling in your veins and put less pressure on your venous system.
Springtime provides a great opportunity to get out of the house for your exercise. Take a stroll around the block, a longer hike, or do yoga in your backyard.
Put Your Feet Up
While it may seem hypocritical after mentioning exercise promotes vein health, you should know it is equally important to elevate your feet multiple times a day to decrease varicose vein pain. To do this properly, make sure your feet are above your heart. This will give the valves in your veins a break and help relieve pain.
Get Treatment for Your Varicose
If your varicose veins are too painful, or the appearance is bothering you, a great and permanent solution is to seek treatment. There is no better time than the springtime to get treated for varicose veins. Summit Skin and Vein is here for you. We offer free vein screening, so you know all of your options before getting them treated. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (816) 533-4398.