Varicose Veins: Should I Apply Heat?

No. Treating your varicose veins with heat therapy should actually be avoided. Heat makes the veins swell. Blood then begins to pool in the affected varicose veins, causing pain or discomfort. That is why when the weather becomes hot, you will notice an increase in pressure within your veins.

Here are some things that you will want to avoid if you have varicose veins:

• Hot tub: since the water reaches a high temperature

• Baths: spending time sitting in warm or hot water is not beneficial

• Do not use hot packs or heating pads

• Showers: very hot showers can aggravate this condition, so keep the water warm or tepid

• Avoid sitting in saunas and steam rooms.

• In Florida, it’s important to avoid hot, sunny days at the beach or by the pool. If you cannot avoid this, then sit under an umbrella or dip your legs into the cool water.

It is difficult to avoid warm weather and situations where your legs will be exposed to heat. The best that you can do is to either prevent varicose veins or, if you already have them, consider getting treatment for them. Then, you can enjoy your life without the worry of avoiding heat sources.

Some risk factors for varicose veins are:

• Women are four times more likely than men to have a problem with varicose veins.

• Ageing is a factor. Even though a young person can get varicose veins, it is more likely to happen as one ages.

• Hereditary. Yes, it is in our genes.

• Work conditions. If you stand or sit for prolonged periods of time, you can develop varicose veins.

• Hormone fluctuations such as pregnancy and hormone replacements can weaken the vein walls.

• Obesity puts extra pressure on the veins

If you would like an evaluation, please contact Dr. Joseph Magnant, M.D. in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs Vein Specialist. With offices at two convenient locations – 1510 Royal Palm Square Blvd. Suite 101 Fort Myers, Florida 33919 or 3359 Woods Edge Circle Suite 102 Bonita Springs, Florida 34134. WeKnowVeins.com

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