Chicago Vein Expert on Optimal Varicose Vein Prevention

Chicago Vein Expert on Optimal Varicose Vein Prevention

You know what varicose veins are—those tangled, enlarged veins that usually pop up on the legs and affect nearly 50% of American adults. They are usually the unsightly result of pressure inside the veins that cause the vein walls to weaken over time. Most of the time, varicose veins are simple cosmetic worries, but they have the potential to make your life miserable. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent varicose veins from developing, there are many things you can do to lessen your risk. Read on to learn what a Chicago vein expert recommends for optimal varicose vein prevention.

What do Chicago residents need to know about keeping varicose veins at bay?

Once they form, varicose veins will not disappear on their own. The only way to get rid of existing varicose veins is by getting varicose vein treatment in Chicago. That means that in order to remain varicose vein-free, prevention is the best and easiest way to keep problem veins from forming. Prevention usually means making certain changes to your lifestyle such as diet, physical activity, and unhealthy habits. The sooner you begin modifying your behavior, the better your chances of keeping varicose veins from developing.

Remember, there is still no way to fully prevent varicose veins from forming. Numerous other factors beyond your control (heredity, hormonal fluctuations, aging) can increase your risk for developing unwanted vein issues, but living a healthy lifestyle can help.

What can I do to reduce my risk for developing varicose veins?

Strengthening your heart and body and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease your risk for problem veins, so getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet is key. Exercising helps build muscle and improves circulation. A nutrient-rich diet supplies your body with the tools it needs to maintain healthy vein tissues and function. Together, they also can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for varicose veins.

We know exercise and diet aren’t always easy to add to our busy lives. The trick is to make healthy living a priority in your daily routine. Schedule it into your day as if you would your appointment with your Chicago vascular doctor. Do activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or tennis. Add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet gradually by experimenting with new recipes, and think of junk food and soda as a once-in-awhile treat. You’ll be surprised just how easy it can be to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your life.

Unfortunately, regular exercise isn’t always enough. Current studies show that sitting for long periods is still bad for you, even if you exercise regularly. And standing too long is unhealthy for your veins as well. So if you sit or stand for long periods, make sure you change your position frequently. Many Chicago vein specialists suggest moving around as much as every 30 minutes to maintain optimal circulation in the lower body, prevent swollen legs and ankles, and keep varicose veins from forming. If you are traveling a long distance and can’t move around, wearing compression stockings can help prevent circulation issues.

If varicose veins are already a problem for you, we can help! At Chicago Vein Care Center, Dr. Ramon Castro and our team work hard to offer you the latest minimally invasive treatments to help get rid of existing varicosities and show you how to keep your veins healthy in the long-term. Give us a call at 773-283-7887 to get started.