13 Sep Manage Your Vein Pain
If you suffer from venous disease, you know that maintenance goes beyond treatments like sclerotherapy and laser vein treatments that we can provide for you at The DOC Clinic. In order to prevent future outbreaks of varicose and spider veins, you must be aware of your lifestyle and how modifying parts of your routine might aid you in preserving the health of your veins in the long-term.
Managing Discomfort
Managing your pain from varicose veins is easy to do if the disease is not severe. Depending on your lifestyle, consider implementing the following habits into your day:
- Alternate standing and sitting: If your job requires you to either stand or sit for long periods of time, incorporate breaks into your day during which you perform the opposite movement. This will allow the veins to be relieved of pressure from standing or re-stimulated after a long day seated.
- Daily Walks: Walking is one of the best things you can do for your veins. As your muscles compress around your varicose veins, they stimulate the proper circulation that they are lacking naturally. Often running puts undue pressure on the legs, but walking at a steady pace on a daily basis is essential for healthy veins. Adding a walk to your routine may also help you manage your weight, taking further pressure off of your extremities and therefore your veins.
- Ice, Ice Baby: Especially if a vein has ruptured or bruised, it is important to incorporating icing your varicose veins to your morning or nightly routine. The ice will stimulate the veins to circulate blood, the opposite reaction to heat, which may cause swelling and further damage to your veins. Consider icing for 10-15 minutes* twice per day.
- Elevation: To reverse the problem of veins of our legs having trouble circulating blood back to the heart, elevate your legs! This movement will allow the blood to flow naturally back toward the heart, without any work from the veins. We recommend incorporating yoga poses into your routine, including legs up the wall pose, which simply requires you to lean your legs up a wall for up to 5 minutes*.
Compression Stockings
One of the most effective home remedies for varicose veins is the use of compression stockings. These garments act as stimulation for the muscles around the veins to contract and relax, therefore boosting the blood flow back up to the heart. If you work in a setting that requires long hours of sitting or standing, or if you expect to be on a long trip and seated for several hours, the use of compression stockings is a complete game changer. You will avoid clotting and more harmful diseases like DVT while allowing your legs to enjoy normal blood flow and less irritation.
Nutrition is Key
Diets high in fat, sugar or sodium tend to cause blockages to the veins or affect the consistency of the blood and therefore its flow. It is important to modify your diet so that it is lower in these aspects and higher in nutrients that promote vein health. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemon as well as non-starchy vegetables and leafy greens should make up the majority of your diet. These foods keep you lean and contain nutrients that support your overall health. Changing your diet and lifestyle habits may make all the difference in the health of your veins.
If you are suffering from venous disease and are interested in seeking a permanent treatment for your condition, contact The DOC Clinic to schedule a consultation for diagnosis and to create a plan for treatment. We are dedicated to providing the best treatments to relieve you of all of your vein pain. Reach us at 03 9021 6022.