Varicose veins (varicose veins) are the most common dilated veins in the legs, and affect about half of adults in the US. This problem is generally caused by pressure in the veins which over time weakens and damages the valves and the walls of the veins. For most people, varicose veins and spider veins (dilation of the smaller capillaries) are just an annoying problem. However, varicose veins can also cause pain when walking and standing, and even in extreme cases, they can cause ulcers on the skin. While there is no surefire way to prevent varicose veins from forming, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of developing varicose veins.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Basic Prevention
Step 1. Know your risk factors
Some people are more prone to varicose veins than others. Knowing the risk factors for varicose veins can help you choose a healthy lifestyle. If you have several risk factors, you should consult with your doctor to find out how to manage them.
- Age. Age is a factor that greatly influences the risk of varicose veins. Age causes a decrease in the elasticity of the veins. Even the valves in the veins can no longer function efficiently. Both of these things can eventually lead to varicose veins.
- Gender. Women are more prone to varicose veins. This is caused by hormonal changes that women usually experience during menopause and pregnancy.
- Descendants. If a member of your immediate family has varicose veins, you are even more at risk. If you were born with weaker venous valves, you are more at risk of developing varicose veins.
- Obesity. Being overweight can increase the pressure on the veins and cause varicose veins.
- Less moving. If you sit or stand for long periods of time, you are more at risk for varicose veins. Not moving for too long will increase the pressure on the veins to pump blood to the heart.
- Foot injury. If you have experienced trauma or an injury such as a blood clot, you are more at risk of developing varicose veins.
Step 2. Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight can increase the pressure on the legs and the circulatory system. If you are overweight, losing it will reduce the pressure on the veins, thereby reducing the risk of varicose veins.
Step 3. Get in the habit of eating healthy
Avoid high-calorie and low-nutrient foods. Eat fiber-rich foods. Several studies have shown a link between a low-fiber diet and the occurrence of varicose veins. Fiber-rich foods can also help you lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Avoid salt if possible. Reducing salt intake can help reduce swelling in varicose veins. Reducing salt can also reduce water retention in the body
Step 4. Exercise regularly
Walking and jogging can improve blood circulation in the legs, and good blood circulation can prevent and inhibit the worsening of varicose veins. Exercising in general can also lower blood pressure and strengthen the overall circulatory system.
Running is also beneficial for preventing varicose veins because it improves blood circulation in the legs
Step 5. Quit smoking
Smoking can cause many health problems. Research shows that high blood pressure caused by smoking can also cause varicose veins. Smoking has also been linked to "lower body venous insufficiency" which causes blood to not flow smoothly and collects in the legs.
Step 6. Avoid using high estrogen birth control pills
Long-term use of birth control pills that contain high levels of estrogen and progesterone can increase your risk of developing varicose veins. Hormone replacement therapy also has the same effect. Consult with your doctor to find the best option for you.
- Long-term use of estrogen and progesterone can weaken the valves of the veins and impair blood circulation in the legs.
- Birth control pills that use low doses of estrogen are less likely to cause varicose veins or blood clots.
Step 7. Stay out of the sun
In fair skinned people, excessive sun exposure can cause spider veins. Sun exposure is also at risk of causing skin cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends always wearing sunscreen while outdoors and avoiding the hot afternoon sun
Method 2 of 3: Taking Care of Feet
Step 1. Avoid standing too long
Standing in one place for long periods of time will increase the venous pressure in the feet and soles of the feet. Over time, this pressure will weaken the walls of blood vessels. As a result, new varicose veins will form and existing varicose veins will get worse.
In some occupations, standing for long periods of time is unavoidable, so try to prevent varicose veins by changing standing positions as often as possible. Try to walk around at least every 30 minutes
Step 2. Sit properly
Sit up straight and don't cross your legs. Good posture can improve blood circulation, on the other hand, crossing your legs can block blood flow to and from your legs.
Avoid sitting for too long without a break. Stand up or take a short walk every half hour or so
Step 3. Elevate the legs if possible
Relaxation of the legs by elevating their position can help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. Try to elevate your legs above your heart for 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This will help improve blood circulation and reduce pressure on the veins.
- If possible, elevate the position of the legs when sitting or sleeping.
- Other options include using a support or elevating the bottom end of the bed so your feet are higher than your head while you sleep. Consult a doctor before trying this method.
Step 4. Choose the right clothes
Improve blood circulation in the lower body by avoiding tight clothing. What's more, avoid clothing that is tight around the waist, legs, and groin. Tight clothing can aggravate existing varicose veins, and increase your risk of developing them.
Wear comfortable low heels instead of high heels. Low heels can help strengthen your calves, allowing blood to flow smoothly in the veins. Make sure your shoes are the right size so they don't put pressure on your feet
Step 5. Put on compression stockings
If you have varicose veins, try wearing compression stockings regularly. These stockings can be purchased at medical supply stores or pharmacies and are available in a variety of compression levels. Consult your doctor first before using or wearing compression stockings.
- Use a tape measure to measure your feet so you can determine the right size. Compression stockings should be firm enough to press against the foot but not feel tight.
- If you have to travel for a long time by plane, consider wearing compression stockings as recommended by your doctor. This device can reduce strain on the legs and is useful in preventing new varicose veins from developing or worsening existing varicose veins.
Method 3 of 3: Undergoing Medical Treatment
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of varicose veins
Varicose veins (varicose veins) generally do not cause serious health problems. However, it can cause discomfort, pain, and interfere with appearance. You may need a doctor's help to treat varicose veins even if they are not causing serious health problems. Common symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Aches and pains in the legs
- Cramps or stabbing pain
- Feet that feel heavy or swollen
- Feet that feel itchy, irritated, or darken
- Legs shaking
Step 2. Know when to seek medical help
Most varicose veins do not cause serious health problems, but sometimes they can cause problems that need medical attention. See your doctor if you have varicose veins accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Sudden swelling of the legs
- Areas around the veins that are red or warm
- Changes in skin thickness or color
- Bleeding over or around varicose veins
- Painful lump in leg
- Open wounds or ulcers
Step 3. Consider other treatment options
If the home changes you've made aren't helping your varicose veins, you may need to consider other treatment options. Consult a doctor to find out your options.
- Sclerotherapy. This therapy is the most commonly used option to treat varicose veins. In sclerotherapy, chemicals will be injected into the varicose veins so that they swell and then close tightly. After a few weeks, the veins will turn into scar tissue and then fade. This action can usually be done directly at the doctor's clinic.
- Laser surgery. This procedure is used less frequently because not all skin types and colors can be safely treated using this method. This procedure is usually unsafe for veins larger than 3 mm.
- Endovenous technique. This treatment is intended for deep or severe varicose veins. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a doctor's clinic.
- Operation. Surgery is usually done to treat varicose veins that are very large or heavy. Consult with your doctor to choose the right surgery for you.
Tips
- While varicose veins are generally not a serious health problem, they may be a sign of a dangerous condition. If you notice varicose veins starting to appear, take the time to go through a thorough medical examination and discuss it with your doctor.
- Varicose veins are more common in women, but can also occur in men. The older you are, the greater your risk of developing varicose veins. However, varicose veins can occur at any age and heredity may be a risk factor.
- Most insurances in the US cover the treatment of varicose veins. Spider veins are also sometimes covered. However, in other countries, including Indonesia, you may need to check with your insurance or BPJS first.
- Velcro compression garments with anklets are easier to put on and may be more suitable for some people.
- Some people feel the benefits of apple cider vinegar in relieving discomfort due to varicose veins. In fact, most likely, elevating the legs, massage, and compression that is beneficial to relieve varicose veins, not apple cider vinegar. To date, there have been no studies showing that apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for varicose veins.
- Contrary to popular belief, spread of almond oil does not help blood flow and has not been scientifically proven to help treat varicose veins. On the other hand, consuming almonds can improve blood circulation while improving blood pressure.
Warning
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop varicose veins accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be a sign of a blood clot that has entered the lungs or heart.
- Beware of expensive alternative therapies. While most such treatments are harmless, they are usually also ineffective. Also be aware of herbal supplements that are stated to be able to cure varicose veins. Many companies make fanciful statements without the support of scientific evidence. Always consult a doctor before using herbal supplements. Doctors may not be able to confirm whether the herbalist's statement is true or not, but can inform you of the dangerous side effects of certain herbal preparations.
- It is not recommended that you "resolve" varicose veins yourself, such as by massage or vibration. This can lead to emboli that block the capillaries of the heart and lead to a heart attack. Embolisms can also block the brain and cause a stroke, or block the lungs and cause pulmonary infarction. All of these conditions are serious problems and can even lead to death.
- See your doctor right away if your varicose veins bleed, are very painful, there is swelling in the legs or feet, or if there are lumps in or near the varicose veins.
