What to Do About Varicose Veins

Many women have looked at the legs of their grandmother and noticed, with a gasp, the varicose veins that are clearly visible on her thighs. We have been taught for many years that the tendency for varicose, or spider, veins runs in families and that there is not much that those of us with a family history can do to avoid the same fate. So, we sigh and commit ourselves to finding the most stylish pair of support hose we can possibly locate; or we resign ourselves to spending an exorbitant amount of money on surgery at the dermatologist's office. The tough truth of it is that varicose veins, indeed, have a tendency to run in families. The great news is that if you will make a commitment to taking superior care of your legs yourself, and to visiting your dermatologist regularly, you just may be able to keep your legs smooth and gorgeous for many decades to come.

What are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs and feet, that are blue or purple in color and usually begin to make their appearance during middle age. (Spider veins are a common, minor variation of varicose veins.) Varicose veins are caused by the pooling of blood in veins due to age, pregnancy, obesity, or even just sitting or standing for long periods of time. Varicose veins are much more common in women than men; and they can lead to more than just cosmetic concerns. These swollen veins can cause significant pain to sufferers, and can also be a signal of more serious circulatory problems. If you suspect that you have developed varicose veins, it is important to first seek the advice of your dermatologist.

I Have Varicose Veins. What Can I Do About Them? If your varicose veins are causing you pain, or are a major cosmetic concern, your dermatologist may recommend one of several surgical procedures. Some of these options include laser surgery or other similar procedures that are meant to close off the vein. Another available option is vein stripping, which actually removes the swollen vein. None of these procedures will affect the circulation of the blood in your leg, because deeper veins will accommodate the increased blood volume.

If, however, you want to use self-care to take care of your varicose veins, there are many ways to improve both the health and the look of your legs.

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Shedding any extra pounds can alleviate the unnecessary pressure on your veins, which will significantly improve the condition of your varicose veins. Exercising your leg muscles is a great way to improve tone and circulation, so add a cardio, such as walking or stair climbing, to your weekly weight workout.

2. Watch what you eat. A diet low in salt and high in fiber can reduce overall body swelling. Make sure to get a variety of vitamins and antioxidants in your diet to maintain general body and skin health. An excellent supplement to consider if your diet is lacking in nutrients is Murad's Firm and Tone Dietary Supplement Pack. This product is great for firming up skin in all areas of your body and reducing the look of spider veins and stretch marks.

3. Be careful what you wear. Extreme high heels may be in fashion, but they are a killer for your leg circulation. If you know you are at high risk for varicose veins, or even if you aren't, you should switch to lower heels, which work your calf muscles more. Improving your calf muscles will improve the circulation in your legs and may help you to avoid varicose veins altogether. It is also important to avoid tight clothing around your waist and legs to allow unrestricted circulation flow.

4. Vary your position throughout the day. If your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods of time, take frequent breaks throughout the day and alternate your position. Staying in one place too long can cause blood to pool in one area of your body-namely, your legs. And, your grandmother was wrong; you do not have to cross your legs to be a lady! Crossing your legs is very detrimental to your blood circulation. Try to avoid doing this as much as possible.

5. Take care of your skin. Keep your skin as firm as possible to reduce the look of varicose veins. There are many firming lotions available over the counter that will help you achieve the youthful, smooth looking skin everyone wants. Try Murad's Body Firming Cream if you want a high quality, proven firming product that will increase your skin's elasticity and radiance.