Varicose veins are superficial veins which no longer direct the blood as they should. While most people brush them off as only a cosmetic concern, they can also cause various health issues. Follow the steps here to help prevent varicose veins.
A lot of people only think that older women are susceptible to varicose veins. The truth is that anyone can develop this condition at any stage in their life, no matter how young or old they are. The chances of developing varicose veins does increase as you age, but don’t think you are immune to varicose veins just because you are still young.
Before we go into varicose vein prevention, lets first look at what exactly they are. Basically, varicose veins are described as swollen superficial veins, usually caused from a faulty valve. The venous system in our body works as a one way street for blood to continuously flow in one direction through the use of a valve. When the valve breaks, blood begins to pool in the veins, causing varicose veins.
This condition usually doesn’t pose any serious risk, but if you notice painful varicose veins, then it’s a sign there could be a greater problem at hand. One of the symptoms you need to watch for is redness and warmth of the legs, as this could be a sign of an ulcer developing. When the blood from your veins begins to seep into the surrounding tissue, ulcers may develop. When this happens, you need to seek help immediately, as bacteria and pathogens can enter your system from the ulcer.
According to recent study, it’s estimated that around 30% of the adult population suffers from some form of varicose veins. While many people seek the removal of varicose veins, you can reduce your risk by following some basic steps.
One of the most effective ways of preventing varicose veins is to simply eat right, get daily exercise and maintain a healthy weight. It’s proven that people who are overweight are more likely to develop this venous condition. When you get up and exercise, not only are you burning fat and improving muscle tone, but you’re increasing the blood circulation throughout the body. When the blood starts flowing more, there’s less of a chance of developing any venous problems.
A nutritious diet is also a key factor in preventing varicose veins. Start by cutting back or eliminating your daily sodium intake. When you consume excessive salt, it can restrict your veins, causing the blood to pool up and leading to varicose veins. Also, eliminate all of your trans fat and greatly reduce your saturated fat intake. Both of these will cause your body to develop more fatty tissue. This extra fat will crowd the veins and prevent the blood from circulating properly.
If you already suffer from varicose veins, you’ll be pleased to know there are several treatment options available. The cost of varicose vein treatment varies depending on the procedure done and the medical institution where you’re having it performed, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $2,000. As always, talk with your doctor to decide which treatment option is the best for your varicose vein condition.
