A Healthy Lifestyle Can Help To Prevent Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is defined as a condition which impairs the normal flow of blood through the veins, preventing healthy forward flow of blood and/or causing backward leakage through the damaged veins. This impairment can cause leg swelling, skin discoloration and ulcers, and the appearance of unsightly varicose veins. Unfortunately, those are just the visible symptoms. Patients with venous insufficiency will also suffer from aching, throbbing, and itchy legs, as well as leg cramping, weakness, and an overall feeling of discomfort.

Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to decrease your chances of developing venous insufficiency:

Lose Weight

Obesity is one of the leading characteristics prevalent in those who suffer from venous insufficiency, as the extra weight results in extra pressure on the veins in the legs. Obesity can also hide the initial problem and prevent people from seeking treatment. Because of the excess fat found under the skin of overweight people, varicose veins are often not visible on the surface the way that they would be in a person of healthy weight. This often results in treatment not being sought until the problem has developed into a much worse condition.

Stop Smoking

Just in case you needed another reason to not smoke tobacco, you should be aware of how it is affecting your vein health. Smoking cigarettes deposits chemicals into the blood stream that slow and inhibit natural blood flow, thickening the blood and reducing oxygen intake to the veins. The circulatory system is dramatically affected by these processes, and every cigarette you smoke could be increasing your chances for developing chronic venous insufficiency.

Exercise Regularly

The benefits of regular exercise are well documented, but some may be unaware of how staying physically active can not only help to prevent varicose veins from appearing, it can also help ease the symptoms of current venous insufficiency. Exercise promotes circulation and helps in maintaining a proper weight, both factors that can prevent future venous insufficiency from occurring and current venous insufficiency from getting worse, keeping legs feeling healthy and strong. On the other hand, too much exercise or especially strenuous exercise can overexert the veins, so make sure to find a healthy balance.

Stay Active

People who work in fields that require them to sit or stand for long periods of time are at an increased risk for developing venous insufficiency. While significant career change might not be desirable or possible, there are a few simple exercises that you can take part in throughout your day that could result in significant health benefits for your veins. As a general rule, keep your legs and feet moving as much as possible, and daily and frequent walks are highly recommended. If your job requires long periods of sitting, flexing your muscles and shifting positions frequently can help, as well as standing and stretching every so often.

Some risk factors for venous insufficiency are out of your control, such as your age and your genetics. Fortunately, leading a healthy lifestyle and carrying out a few simple activities in your day life can ensure the longevity of your veins for many years to come.