We firmly believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the summer months in comfort! If you’re used to dealing with increased pain and discomfort from your varicose veins in the summer, we want you to know there are ways to find relief!
Varicose veins can cause more pain and discomfort in the summer months because the heat can lead to increased swelling. That’s why we’re excited to share some simple tips on how you can relieve pain and improve comfort this summer.
First things first: How do you know if you have varicose veins?
Varicose veins are typically swollen, gnarled veins that most often occur in the legs, ankles and feet. They are created by a condition called venous insufficiency or venous reflux, where blood circulating through the lower limbs does not properly return to the heart, but instead pools up in the distended veins.
More than 25 million Americans suffer from venous reflux disease. Symptoms can include:
● Pain and fatigue in the legs
● Swollen ankles and calves
● Burning or itching skin
● Skin discoloration
● Leg ulcers
If you know or think you have varicose veins, these tips should help you stay cool and comfortable this summer!
Stay cool — literally.
Keeping your legs cool, especially during the hottest days, can help to relieve pain and discomfort by keeping your body temperature low. Some great ways to keep cool include:
● Taking a swim in cool water
● Using pain-relieving ice packs or cooling pads on your legs when you sit or lie down
● Relaxing at a library or air-conditioned shopping center
● Napping in a dark room with the curtains drawn
Wear the right kind of shoes.
The kind of shoes you wear can have a noticeable effect on your level of pain or discomfort from varicose veins. High heels are particularly harmful, as they keep your calves from moving properly and inhibit healthy blood flow, which can exacerbate swelling and vein issues. It’s best to wear properly fitting shoes, preferably with a cushioned or custom insole, to encourage healthy blood flow and improve overall comfort.
Keep up physical activity.
One of the best ways to manage varicose veins and swelling at any time of year is with regular exercise. During the summer, it’s important to avoid exercising at the hottest times of day in the early or mid-afternoon. In the morning or late afternoon, you can make a habit of doing daily, low-impact exercises such as:
● Swimming
● Leisurely walks
● Yoga or pilates
Visit Dr. Challa here in Chesapeake
The best thing you can do for long-term varicose vein improvement is schedule a consultation with Dr. Surya Challa, our board-certified vein specialist and surgeon. Dr. Challa is a renowned and widely respected IAC-accredited physician for the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins, as well as general surgery procedures. The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) allows him to perform vascular testing that can identify disease and other complications.
With Dr. Challa, you can expect informed, compassionate care and the highest quality results, customized to your individual needs. Simply call us today at (757) 819-7633 or request a consultation online today to learn more and get started.
Source: https://www.theveininstitute.com.au/swollen-legs-heat-varicose-veins/