Op. Dr. Oğuz Uğur
Factors to Pay Attention to for Varicose Vein Patients
There are many factors in our daily lives that may seem insignificant but play a crucial role in the development and course of varicose veins. Therefore, there are certain things we need to pay attention to in order to prevent the progression or occurrence of the disease. If we address them sequentially:
Precautions to Prevent Varicose Veins
These precautions are important not only to prevent the progression of the disease but also to reduce or prevent the complaints caused by the disease, or to avoid the occurrence of varicose veins altogether.
Ample Movement
Any movement is beneficial for the human body. Maintaining an active lifestyle is not only beneficial for varicose veins but also for our overall health. If you have varicose veins or want to prevent them, you should engage in regular activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling. Sports that require sudden stops or jumps, such as soccer and basketball, are not highly recommended for varicose veins.
Avoid Prolonged Standing
A person sitting for an extended period should stand up and move around occasionally. Keeping your legs elevated several times a day can be beneficial. Especially in the evening when resting at home, you can relax by keeping your legs elevated. While working, when standing or sitting, extend your heels away, as if making an A-shape with your feet, and bring the big toes together. Make a V-shape by bringing the heels together and spreading the toes apart. Keep your heels on the ground, lift the front part of your feet. Then, lift your heels while the front of your feet is in contact with the ground. Repeat each movement 10 times.
Cold Water is Beneficial for Varicose Legs
Applying cold water to the skin causes the veins to contract, allowing blood to flow more quickly to the heart. To achieve this, fill the bathtub with cold water up to one-third (14-16 degrees Celsius). Walk in this water for ten minutes. Lift your foot completely out of the water and then put it back in with each step. Another method is to apply a cold water shower to the legs from the feet upwards in the morning and evening.
Choose Loose Clothing
Tight belts impede blood flow. Pantyhose should not squeeze the waist.
Avoid High Heeled Shoes Above 5CM
The higher the heels, the weaker the pumping function of the leg muscles. Change your shoes every day. Heels of different heights have a stimulating effect on blood circulation.
Eat Properly
Proper nutrition provides the body with essential building materials. A decrease in collagen and elastin fibers, which ensure the resilience and flexibility of connective tissue, can lead to deficiencies in various organs. Weak connective tissue can lead to the formation of varicose veins. Proper nutrition strengthens connective tissue and prevents excess weight. At least two liters of fluid should be consumed daily.
Provide Mechanical Support to Veins Externally
Well-quality pantyhose that serve as external support can be beneficial in mild varicose veins. For severe varicose vein complaints, specially designed varicose vein stockings that tightly grip the legs can be useful.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and the free radicals it produces can damage the vessel walls, accelerating the development of vascular diseases.
Herbal Substances
Topical creams and oral supplements containing herbal substances that tighten veins (horse chestnut, gotu kola, rutin, diosmin) may be beneficial.
Hormones
The female hormone estrogen causes the veins to expand. Therefore, varicose veins are more common in women than in men. Progesterone prevents the vein dilation caused by estrogen. It does not eliminate existing ones but stops their progression. Progesterone can be used in gel form.