Ugly, bulging veins on your legs? Spider-like lines on the side of your nose? You may ask, “Why me?” Well, don’t worry. You aren’t alone. In fact, thousands of Americans suffer from those unsightly veins, also known as spider veins or varicose veins.  In many cases, you can’t avoid developing these diseased veins. Unfortunately, genetics and aging play a big role in your chance of having these unsightly lines popping up on your skin. However, there are quite a few things you can do to keep varicose or spider veins at bay. By following some simple lifestyle habits, you can reduce your chances of developing these types of veins. If you currently suffer from varicose or spider veins, these suggestions can help reduce the painful symptoms you may be experiencing. Despite living a healthy lifestyle, you must remember that good habits cannot rid the body of varicose or spider veins once they have formed. The only way these veins will disappear is through a vein treatment or procedure.

Below, we share some Do’s and Don’ts for you to remember when trying to keep varicose and spider veins away, or when you’re trying to reduce or relieve painful symptoms.

• DO maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put pressure on the valves in the veins.
• DO exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps keep the blood flowing and circulating through the body properly. Exercise also helps reduce swelling in the body, and keeps the body’s weight in a healthy range.
• DON’T eat foods high in sodium. High-sodium foods cause swelling, pressure, and bloating in the body.
• DO wear flat or low-heeled shoes. These types of shoes help the blood circulation function properly as it makes its way back to the heart. High heels, which put the foot at an angle, keep the calves from properly pumping the blood out of the legs back up to the heart.
• DO wear compression stockings/clothing.
• DO elevate legs whenever you’re able.
• DON’T sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. If your job or traveling require this of you, try to take breaks to walk or sit or move your legs in some manner. Too much sitting or standing can disrupt circulation and cause pressure to build up in the veins.
• DO wear sunscreen to prevent your skin from sun damage, which could lead to spider veins.

Although these Do’s and Don’ts can help keep diseased veins away and reduce painful symptoms, they cannot get rid of the problem. If you have spider veins or varicose veins and are looking to have them removed, Dr. Peter Mikhail can examine you and determine the best course of action based on your condition and symptoms. To book a consult, click here or call 727-312-4844. Learn more about these conditions on our Varicose Veins and Spider Veins pages.

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