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It's summertime and smooth, attractive legs seem to be everywhere! But anyone with embarrassing bright purple and/or bulging varicose veins on their lower limbs might not be wearing shorts and bathing suits. Many of them may be wondering, "Why me?"
Dr. Angelo Chachas, a board-certified general surgeon who treats patients at St. Mark's Hospital and Lone Peak Hospital, explains that genetics are a huge contributing factor in the development of varicose veins. However, women are particularly susceptible to this problem, especially after giving birth.
If you have varicose veins, there are several things you can do about them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Try self-care
If your varicose veins are only an embarrassment and not especially painful, there are steps you can take to keep them from getting worse. First, exercise can improve blood flow through your veins. If you do not typically exercise, consult your doctor first, start slowly, and work your way up to exercising 30 minutes on most days.
If your job requires that you sit or stand for long periods of time each day, make a conscious effort to take breaks. If you typically sit all day, use your lunch hour to take a brisk walk. When standing, raising yourself up and down on your toes or rock back and forth on your heels can help to improve the blood flow in your legs.
Another preventive step is elevating your legs whenever possible throughout the day and especially at the end of a long day. This will keep blood from pooling in your veins. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the pressure on your legs and veins as well.
If your legs are starting to ache due to varicose veins, consider talking to your doctor about compression socks or tights. They can help to increase the circulation and reduce your discomfort.
Photo credit: MountainStar Healthcare
Consider a surgical solution
While self-care may help to slow the formation of varicose veins, these steps won't fix the condition all together. And that may be cause for concern. Dr. Chachas says the most common misconception about varicose veins is that they are simply a cosmetic issue. On the contrary, this condition can develop into more serious problems like swelling, blood clots, and/or open wounds. That's why many medical insurance companies fully or partially cover the procedure when it's a medical necessity.
Symptoms that may show a need for medical treatment include leg pain, heaviness or aching as well as swelling, itching or restless legs. Purple discoloration of the ankles or feet is also cause for concern.
The good news is that local specialists perform minor surgeries that significantly reduce varicose veins and lead to smoother, more attractive legs. Dr. Chachas is an expert at a minimally invasive closure procedure that takes about approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. This simple procedure is performed in the physician's office while patients are under local, regional or general aesthetic.
Best of all, this minor surgery causes minimal pain and most people are able to go back to work within a few days. They can return to full activity within five days and only need to avoid submerging their legs in water for two weeks. After a few short days, they can start enjoying summer fun - this year and every year afterwards. Over time, the treated vein will gradually incorporate into surrounding tissue with most patients reporting noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Photo credit: MountainStar Healthcare
Choose to cover up instead
If the varicose veins in your legs are mostly a cause of embarrassment and you're not suffering from the more serious symptoms, here are some ideas for simply covering them up.
Fabulousafter40.com suggests capris or shorter-length jeans in fun summer colors. Other styles like maxi skirts, dresses and leggings made from light, breathable fabrics are great way to hide varicose veins.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
You can also try experimenting with different tanning sprays or lotions until you find one that works best for you. These products will wash off over time.
If the time comes for a more permanent solution for your varicose veins, visit this website to learn more about surgical treatment options. Or check out our physician directory and schedule a consultation to see if you are good candidate for the vein closing procedure.
