8 Moves that Help Spider Veins

If you need help for spider veins, you're not alone: they're a very common condition, especially among women who are or have been pregnant or are over the age of 50. Just because they're common, however, doesn't mean they can't be treated! In our Texas Endovascular practice, we offer several different treatment plans for your spider or varicose veins, all of them being minimally invasive and performed as outpatient procedures! And, while you're discussing with your doctor what treatment option is best for you, here are 8 tips to follow that can keep your condition from getting worse!

Hacks to Help with Spider Veins

There are many different lifestyle changes you can make to help spider veins. These are just a beginning point. And if you already have vein health concerns, you'll need to explore treatment options.

Frequent exercise, like taking walks, can help improve the appearance of spider veins

1. Stay Active!

   Regular exercise can improve blood circulation in your legs, while also lowering your blood pressure (another factor that could improve varicose veins.) Not sure where to start? Check out our weekly Move it Monday blog posts for exercise inspiration!

2. Rock Your Socks

   Tight (compression) socks or stockings apply pressure to your lower legs, potentially helping to improve blood flow to the area. Not sure how or when to wear these babies? This guide to putting on compression socks can help.

3. But...Skip the Stilettos.

   High heels keep your calf muscles engaged, reducing the amount of blood that flows into the veins of your foot and calf. It also reduces the amount of force going to push blood into those veins, meaning blood can begin to pool and form new or worsen existing spider veins. So, while high heels don't technically cause vein problems, they certainly won't help spider veins.

4. Skip the Salt, too.

   Salty foods can cause your body to retain water and swell up; while you're swelling, those bulging varicose veins may worsen.

5. Up Your Fiber Intake to Help Spider Veins.

   Fiber is good for your heart health, and improved heart health equals better blood flow throughout the body. For that reason, this diet to boost circulation could keep unsightly veins at bay.

6. Embrace Massage.

   Gently massaging your legs can help stimulate blood flow to the area, but don't apply direct pressure to bulging veins as the delicate tissue may be damaged.

7. Take a Stand.

   Sitting for extended periods of time, whether at home, at work, or on a plane, allows blood to pool in your legs. Take frequent walking breaks to avoid this issue.

8. Drop a Few:

   Extra pounds on your frame puts extra pressure on your legs. That's because extra fat in your abdomen makes it tough for your blood to beat gravity and flow out of your legs, back to your heart. Instead, it pools in your legs, stretching your veins and leading to spider veins. So maintaining a healthy weight can help spider veins you already have. Or even keep new ones from forming!

Need more help managing your vein health concerns? That's what we're here for! Just reach out today and request an immediate appointmentrequest an immediate appointmentrequest an immediate appointment with our Houston and Dallas area vein specialists!

Sources: mayoclinic.org, medicalnewstoday.com