Many factors can make a person prone to vein disease. Among these factors are age, gender, and lack of exercise. Did you know that you can make small changes to avoid vein disease or improve the associated symptoms? This blog will give tips to enhance your veins’ health and improve your quality of life.
What are the causes of vein disease?
The function of the veins is to transport the blood that leaves the tissues back to the heart. This transport involves the heart valves, internal structures that prevent the blood from flowing backward, and muscle contractions, which promote blood movement.
However, when people have a disease in their veins, they cannot perform their functions efficiently. Deformations in the valves and loss of elasticity of the vein walls characterize the disease. These changes cause the blood to pool, especially in the lower part of the body.
Some common vein diseases include varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous disease.
What are the symptoms?
The accumulation of blood can cause:
– Appearance of spider veins and varicose veins.
– Swelling and heaviness in the legs
– Tingling sensation and warmth
– Irritation in the legs
– Changes in skin color
Depending on the severity of the case, some people may also have:
– Leg ulcers that are difficult to heal
– Bleeding
– Clot formation
What can you do to prevent the onset of vein disease?
The good news is that, with minor changes, you can prevent vein disease or alleviate its symptoms. The following are some of the recommendations:
1) Eat a balanced diet. Incorporate foods that promote blood circulation into your diet. Include fruits, vegetables, cereals, and lean proteins.
2) Avoid fast and greasy foods. This type of food is high in sodium and harmful fats. Sodium increases fluid retention, causing people to have swelling and worsening the symptoms of vein disease. In turn, diets high in unhealthy fats promote the creation of cholesterol plaques, which restrict blood flow. This obstruction can produce increased pressure and distorted veins.
3) Stay hydrated. Water makes it easier for blood to flow through the veins. In contrast, lack of water thickens the blood and increases the difficulty of transporting it.
4) Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or obese are more prone to vein disease. Excess fat causes greater pressure on the legs and feet, promoting the appearance of varicose veins and other circulatory disorders.
5) Avoid wearing high heels. When you wear high heels, your leg muscles tighten to maintain balance. Also, the natural position of your legs and feet is modified. All the above can cause increased pressure on the veins that weaken the valves, making you more prone to vein disease.
6) Elevate your legs after a long period of standing or sitting. Because blood must travel against gravity to return to the heart, the veins in the legs must work harder to move it. Elevating the legs helps facilitate blood flow to the heart and may relieve some symptoms of venous diseases, such as fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
7) If your doctor suggests it, use compression stockings. Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs. This pressure encourages blood flow and keeps blood from pooling in your legs.
8) Check your health continuously and visit a specialist as soon as the first symptoms appear. A timely diagnosis can prevent symptoms from worsening and further consequences. Also, treatments are more effective in the early stages of the disease.
Conclusion
Venous disease is common, but it is vital to take steps to prevent it from worsening. A healthy and active lifestyle is key to alleviating the symptoms of the disease. Also, remember that only a vein specialist can diagnose and treat your condition. They are trained to provide detailed information about the actions you can take to improve the health of your veins.
