Varicose Veins: Finding Relief From the Summer Heat
Are you battling with varicose veins? Wondering about vein health and varicose vein treatment options?
The good news is you are not alone. An estimated 20% of adults will get varicose veins at one point in their life. Varicose veins are more common in women and older people, but anybody can develop them.
The heat makes everything swell. Hot summer temperatures can increase the swelling and discomfort you feel.
As the summer heat intensifies, so can your varicose vein symptoms. Professional Radiology is your source for effective varicose vein treatments to help relieve your pain. Learn more about how our physician-owned radiology center can help!
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
You can easily recognize varicose veins as they have a typical appearance, but a kind of ultrasound can be used to detect them called a Doppler ultrasound. This will assess the blood flow and condition of your veins.
About Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins. The most common area affected is your legs, because standing and walking increase the pressure in these veins.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
When blood flows through your veins, little valves open and close to keep the blood flowing as it should be.
With varicose veins, these valves do not work correctly and the blood is allowed to pool in the vein, which increases the pressure causing them to bulge out.
Causes of varicose veins include
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Chronic constipation
- Standing for long periods
- Tumors
- Sedentary lifestyle
Genetic also have a role! If your parents had varicose veins, there is more of a chance you will too.
Varicose Veins In The Summer Heat
Summertime is beautiful, isn’t it? It seems like we wait all year for the warmth and sunshine. But the summer heat can wreak havoc on your varicose veins.
The summer heat can intensify vein swelling and blood pooling, causing increase swelling and pain. You can still enjoy the summer by taking some heat away from your veins by taking these steps:
- Stay hydrated
- Stay out of the midday sunshine
- Cool your legs down with cold compresses
- Elevate your legs
- Wear compression stockings
You can find compression stockings at most drugstores or medical supply stores.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Some varicose veins do not cause pain, but still have symptoms like:
- Veins that look blue or dark purple
- Veins that look twisted or bulging, like a rope or cord around the legs
When pain does occur, you can expect the following:
- Feeling an ache or leg heaviness
- Throbbing
- Muscle cramps
- Burning
- Increased pain after standing a while
- Itching around the veins
- Discolored skin
You may have smaller veins that are like varicose veins but are called spider veins. They can be found on the legs or the face, and are red or blue. Spider veins are closer to the surface of the skin and do not cause pain.
Varicose Vein Treatments
There are different varicose treatments available, such as:
- Radiofrequency Ablation uses radiofrequency through a thin tube inserted into your vein. The incision is small and only local anesthesia is used. You can walk immediately following this treatment.
- Sclerotherapy is when your doctor injects varicose veins with a special solution that closes the veins and forms scars. The solution is either liquid or foam. Varicose veins should fade within 2 weeks.
- Endovenous chemical ablation is similar to sclerotherapy in how it works but instead uses laser light energy to warm the vein.
- Varicose vein surgery is for severe cases, and when other therapies are not effective. Surgery involves inserting a thin camera into your leg and target the veins for varicose vein removal. This is an outpatient procedure.
Varicose vein remedies
You can also take action and your health into your own hands! There is a lot you can do at home to help improve your own symptoms, including:
- Low impact exercises like swimming and yoga are best.
- Compression stockings to reduce pain and aching.
- Plant extracts like horse chestnut can be beneficial in reducing vein inflammation. Also taking grape seed extract and Vitis vinifera can reduce swelling. Be careful with dietary supplements as they can interact with prescription medications. Always talk to your doctor first.
- Eat foods with flavonoids such as onions, garlic, and citrus fruits for improved circulation. There is some evidence that flavonoids decrease inflammation.
- Dietary changes such as less sodium and more potassium. Choose almonds, nuts, fish, and green leafy vegetables.
- Fiber supplements to combat constipation and the pressure from straining.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to not restrict blood flow. Avoid high heels and choose flat shoes instead.
- Keep your legs elevated at the same level as your heart. This will improve circulation and lessen the effects of gravity.
- Avoid sitting for long periods.
- Massaging the affected areas lightly can help keep your blood flowing.
Prevention Of Varicose Veins
Unfortunately, it is difficult to completely prevent varicose veins, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk such as
- Regular exercise
- Watch your weight
- Eat low salt and high fiber food
- Change your position often
- Elevate your legs when you can
These are easy things you can do at home to keep your veins in check.
Varicose Veins And Vein Health
There are options for you! Varicose vein treatments are in reach, so why don’t you take the next step today and banish your varicose veins for good.
At Professional Radiology, we use our cutting-edge technology combined with a friendly hands-on approach to making your visit enjoyable.
We specialize in Radiofrequency Ablation and Sclerotherapy treatment. But first, your varicose veins will get a full detailed analysis to decide the best course of action.
Contact us today online, or call 915-225-2480. We look forward to hearing from you.