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» Varicose vein prevention - Phlebology
Rodriguez Palacios® Medical Center Library - Phlebology
By Dr. Juan Carlos Patt, M.D.
All rights reserved
There are different ways to prevent varicose veins. Since there is no method to prevent varicose veins completely, these measures cannot guarantee that varicose veins will not appear. Such measures do, however, help prevent varicose veins and reduce the possibilities that this condition will appear or further develop, if the patient already has varicose veins.
- Regular exercises that imply moving the legs, such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, climbing stairs, etc., improves blood circulation through the legs and enhances vein health by starting the pump consisting of the calves’ muscles. Movement helps the vein system, and causes the blood to flow and the leg muscles to contract, and thus they act like pumps which aid in venous return. These phlebo-dynamic exercises improve venous return by actuating the thrust muscle pump of the lower limbs.
- Keeping the right weight also helps, because overload on the lower limbs due to overweight hinders venous return and also alters joint functioning, which in turn leads to reduced physical activity, thus causing a vicious circle.
- Eating a fiber-rich, low-sodium diet. Since constipation can induce varicose vein, it should be prevented by including fiber-rich food in the diet, such as green vegetables, vegetables in general, fruit and grains. Salt causes the body to retain fluid, which may lead to increased blood pressure in the legs.
- Avoiding the use of high-heeled shoes and tight underwear.
- Elevating the legs whenever possible, keeping the feet above the heart, is another tip. When you are seated, avoid crossing your legs and try to keep them elevated whenever possible. Elevating the legs contributes to venous return.
- Moving your legs frequently. People who are in a standing or sitting position during long periods of time have a higher risk of developing varicose veins. Regularly change position (if you are seated, do stand up, and vice versa). Moving is the key; you should not remain stagnant in one position. When we move, leg muscles contract and push, causing the blood to flow through the veins. Avoid being seated or standing during long periods of time. If you must remain standing, try to rest the body weight alternately on your left leg and on your right leg. If you must be seated or standing for long periods of time, try to bend your ankles repeatedly (10 times every 10 minutes). By doing so, the calf muscles contract, emulating the effects of walking, thus causing blood to be pumped through the legs. Additionally, it is worth noting that being seated during long periods of time causes harm to the intervertebral discs of the lumbar region in the spinal column. Walking allows the discs to oxygenate again thanks to blood circulation and to the reduction of the weight the discs endure while in the seated position.
- The use of compression stockings specially designed for varicose veins may help prevent this condition, stop or delay varicose veins from appearing in some people, because they enable blood return to the heart from the legs. It is also advisable to use these kinds of stockings during plane trips or while traveling by other means of transport involving long periods of time in a seated or stationary position, as they can help prevent clot formation in the veins (deep vein thrombosis).
- During long trips by plane or car, you should practice bending the ankle as explained above. If you travel by car, it is advisable that you should stop and take short walks after a few hours’ ride. These steps help prevent the risk of suffering deep vein thrombosis.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes, so as not to restrict circulation at the leg, waist and groin level.
- Avoid excessive heat in the legs, for instance, while bathing. Heat distends the veins and may cause higher blood stagnation in the legs.
- Avoid being exposed to sunlight for long periods, as pigmentation may appear in varicose vein patients.