As you age, your body changes, including an increased risk of developing varicose veins. Varicose veins can be both unsightly and uncomfortable, but there are several steps you can take to prevent and treat them. Taking care of your veins can improve your appearance and reduce the discomfort and health risks of varicose veins Upper East Side.
Varicose veins occur when the valves inside your veins become weak or damaged. These valves ensure that blood flows in the right direction, but blood can pool inside your veins when they don’t work properly, causing them to swell and enlarge. Several factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, including age, genetics, gender, pregnancy, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Your veins’ walls can weaken when you age, making them more prone to vein damage. Genetics also play a role in varicose veins running in families. Women are also more likely to develop varicose veins than men, especially during pregnancy. Obesity and a lack of physical activity can put added pressure on your veins while standing or sitting for long periods can also increase your risk. Other factors contributing to the development of varicose veins include hormonal changes, certain medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, and injury to the affected area.
As you age, your risk of developing varicose veins increases, but there are several steps you can take to prevent and treat them. Here is what you need to know:
- Stay active: Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of varicose veins. Walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga are all great options.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put added pressure on your veins, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of varicose veins. They work by squeezing the legs to help blood flow back to the heart.
- Elevate your legs: Elevating your legs above your heart for 15-20 minutes daily can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time: Sitting or standing for long periods can put added pressure on your veins, so taking breaks and moving around throughout the day is important.
If you already have varicose veins, there are several treatment options available, including:
- Sclerotherapy: A common treatment for varicose veins involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to swell and stick together, eventually closing the vein off.
- Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for treating varicose veins. It involves inserting a small laser fiber into the affected vein through a tiny incision. The inner side of the vein is heated using a laser, causing it to collapse and seal shut.
- Surgery: The procedure typically involves removing the affected vein through small incisions in the skin. The surgery is done under local anesthesia, and you may need to stay in the hospital temporarily to recover.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing varicose veins, talk to your doctor at Upper East Side Cardiology to learn more about your options for prevention and treatment.
