Many patients come to me with twisted and enlarged veins complaining of pain and discomfort. My diagnosis is swift and – unfortunately – comes as no surprise when I confirm the presence of varicose veins. What may come as a surprise to you is that the appearance of those discoloured, uncomfortable veins can be slowed and, in some cases – prevented. “How?” you ask… let me share some facts and tips; they may save you a trip to my office.
Varicose veins are NOT inevitable.
Most people believe that varicose veins cannot be prevented. That is simply a fallacy. Indeed, in pregnant women, hormonal factors, heredity, lifestyle, age and weight contribute to the appearance of varicose veins. However, there are measures every one of you can take to prevent or delay their appearance. Let’s start with the essential tips.
Exercise Is a Must
A sedentary lifestyle – constantly sitting and not moving your feet – is one of the prime contributors to the development of varicose veins. Exercise of any type is a must. Among my suggestions below, choose the simplest and easiest ones for you. Some movement is better than none at all. Regularly changing your sitting or standing position can make a difference.
· Leg Lifts – Sit or lie on your back while sticking your feet straight out. Lift one leg at a time up, holding it in the air. Slowly lower it down and repeat with the other leg.
· Walking or running – As little as 30 minutes of gentle walking daily will make a difference. Start slowly and gradually increase your time and distance.
· Bicycling or Bicycle Legs – No access to any type of bike? Lie on your back, put your legs in the air (bending them at the knee), then pedal them slowly – as if you are bicycling. Try both legs at once, or alternate one at a time.
· Lunges – Stand with your legs apart. Step forward slowly, bending your knee. Make sure to keep your knee directly above your ankle. Hold it, then slowly straighten your leg and step back to your original position; repeat with the other leg.
· Tiptoes – Stand with your legs straight, rise on your tiptoes, then lower back down. Repeat.
· Rocking Your Feet – Sit or stand, rock your feet back and forth from heel to toe. This can be done at any time and is an easy form of exercise.
As you can see, some of the exercises are very easy to do. Choose one that’s comfortable for you.
Conclusion…
As a doctor who regularly sees patients suffering the pain and discomfort of varicose veins, I’ve often wondered, “If I could have suggested some of these basic exercise tips, would they still be in my office?” I’ll never have an answer to that question, but perhaps you can answer that one. Suppose my suggestions can help alleviate some of your sufferings or even prevent the onset of ANY symptoms. Why wouldn’t you try them?
Let me know how they work out for you. Stay active, be safe… and good luck!
* … this was written for a doctor’s blog… *