How to Prevent Varicose Veins

Varicose veins often appear as swollen and twisted clusters of purple or blue veins. The legs affected may experience swelling, heaviness and aching. Itchiness will be felt around the skin areas affected with the swollen veins. These areas may appear discolored.

Varicose veins occur when the vein valve fails to function normally. Blood is allowed by the healthy vein valve to flow normally in one direction. Once the integrity of the vein is compromised, blood flow becomes abnormal. Blood flows back in the opposite direction, which causes pooling inside the vein. This condition consequently results in swelling. When this happens, the affected vein may hurt and becomes unsightly. Luckily though, varicose veins, however ugly they may seem are often harmless.

Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body. In fact, the anus may contain varicose veins in the form of hemorrhoids. Some varicose veins are found within spiders or patches of red capillaries and green veins.

It is observed that varicose veins run in families. German or Irish descent women have twice the likelihood of developing them compared with their male counterparts. Physical conditions like obesity, pregnancy and prolonged standing can cause varicose veins.

People with varicose veins are often advised to do simple preventive measures to lessen the discomfort.

Elastic support stockings aid in keeping blood from pooling in the legs. Wear them to prevent the development of more varicose veins.

If your work requires you to stand for a long period of time, try to exercise and bend your calf muscles and toes. Doing this will help the proper pumping of blood towards the heart and prevent pooling in the veins.

If you are bothered by varicose veins, try to give your feet some rest as often as possible. Taking breaks often will help relieve the ache. You can raise your legs while sleeping to relieve the swelling. Also, try to sit with your legs elevated above your chest level.

If you don't have varicose veins yet but are overweight, try to lose the extra pounds. Over weight and obese individuals are more likely to develop varicose veins. Exercise activities that work the leg muscles will be beneficial. These can be in the form of walking or jogging. These activities help pump blood towards the heart.

Avoid using girdles, garters and other tight clothing that can constrict the blood circulation. Additionally, try to avoid crossing your legs because this will limit the blood flow. Avoid standing for extended period of time and try to sit with your legs raised about the level of your hip, at least twice a day for a period of 30 minutes.

Finally, aside from the ugly appearance and other symptoms of varicose veins, these are rarely harmful. However, you need to see your doctor if you cut any of your varicose veins. Severed varicose veins may bleed heavily. If this happens, lie down with your injured leg raised. Apply gentle and firm pressure to the affected area using a clean cloth. Get immediate help as soon as you control the bleeding. It is also worthwhile to seek for your doctor's advice whenever your varicose veins are making the normal walking and standing activities painful or if sores develop.