6 Ways to Healthy Veins
If your New Year’s resolutions include improving your health in the coming year, you’re not alone. All across America, people are focused on exercising more, eating a more healthy diet, losing weight and other health-related goals as they step into 2020.
Dusting off your gym membership, watching portions and meal-prepping are great actions to take when in pursuit of better health. But did you know you should pay attention to your vein health, too?
You may not know it, but the health of your veins can be affected by a number of other conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Genetics can even play a role in whether you’re susceptible to vein issues.
Vein health is so important because the veins in your body act as the return highway system taking blood back to your heart. It’s not overstating it to say the vascular system is your literal lifeline. Here at Lam Vascular & Associates, we take vein health seriously.
Let’s take a look at two of the most common vein conditions and treatments:
Varicose Veins
If you deal with varicose veins, you’re in good company. According to NCBI, about 20 percent of adults will deal with varicose veins at some point. For many people, they are little more than a cosmetic concern. But for others, varicose veins can be a bit more troublesome, causing pain and discomfort, and in rare instances, can even point to a more serious condition.
Varicose veins occur when a person’s veins become swollen and enlarged. They may appear purple or blue through the skin and sometimes bulge outward quite a bit. They are most commonly found on the backs of the calves or the inner leg.
Varicose veins are pretty common, and risk factors include genetics, multiple pregnancies, a history of leg injury or deep vein thrombosis. Lifestyle and occupation can play a big role, too. Those who either sit or stand a lot are at higher risk.
Treatment depends on the size and severity of the veins. Options include:
- Venefit Targeted Endovenous Therapy
- Phlebectomy
- High Ligation
- Vein Stripping
- Sclerotherapy
Learn more about Lam Vascular’s advanced varicose vein treatments.
Spider Veins
Another common vein issue is spider veins. These are basically tiny varicose veins. They’re so small they don’t cause much blood collection or any pain. If you have spider veins and leg pain, there’s likely something else going on with a deeper vein that should be checked out with ultrasound. Spider veins are considered cosmetic and we’d be happy to talk to you about our minimally invasive, in-office treatments to address them.
Not sure if your vein issues require treatment? Come see us. We can help you determine if you need treatment and if one of the above treatments is right for you. Schedule a consultation now.
Healthy Veins, Healthy Life
Stepping into a new year, how can you improve the health of your veins? Here are some tips just about anyone can integrate into daily life for better vein health:
1. Stay active
If you have a desk job, get up regularly and walk around a bit to get the blood pumping. When you go to a store, don’t automatically look for the closest parking spot. Park far away from the door and walk! The more active you are, the better where vein health is concerned.
2. Stay hydrated
When you’ve had plenty of water, your blood is thinner and flows better. Thicker blood due to dehydration can make vein insufficiency problems worse. Aim for at least 64 ounces every day. More is even better!
3. Eat healthy foods
Fruits and vegetables are great for circulation and the health of vein walls.
4. Don’t smoke
There are countless reasons why smoking is bad for your health. Where your veins are concerned, the chemicals in tobacco smoke can deoxygenate and thicken blood. Additionally, nicotine causes vascular hardening and narrowing. Make 2020 the year you kick the habit!
5. Wear compression socks
If you’re susceptible to venous insufficiency (your veins struggle to send blood back to your heart), whether by genetics, pregnancy, work/lifestyle habits or conditions such as obesity or heart disease, consider wearing compression socks. They can help contract muscles around the veins to improve blood flow. It’s also a good idea to put your feet up a few times a day (higher than hip level) to give your circulation a boost.
6. Seek treatment
If you start noticing symptoms such as fatigue, heaviness and swelling, it’s time for an evaluation from a vascular physician. Putting off treatment for your varicose veins is unwise, and in some cases, can lead to more serious issues.
Dr. Russell Lam, Dr. Cassidy Duran and Dr. Esther Mihindu can treat your vein issues in a variety of ways depending on how severe they are and your overall health. Advances in technology have allowed for minimally invasive treatments that have great success.
Schedule an appointment today and get a leg up on your vein health in 2020!
