Put your Best Legs Forward

By MiNDFOOD

Woman walking on the beach in Hawaii. Summer travel concept.
Woman walking on the beach in Hawaii. Summer travel concept.
Non-surgical treatments for varicose veins, plus prevention techniques.

As the temperature rises and the beach beckons, it’s time to get ready to bare your legs for another season. If you are one of the many people who suffer from varicose and spider veins, you may not be thrilled by the thought of replacing your winter wardrobe with more revealing shorts, skirts and swimwear. Here’s how you can make a difference, without going under the knife.

Treatment

Compared to surgery, non-surgical procedures are room-based and have little or no pain, risks and complications. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy has great success in treating varicose and spider veins in the legs. A typical procedure begins with mapping the veins using ultrasound to assess the functioning of the leg’s deep veins. Starting from the groin and working down to the knee and ankle, ultrasound is used to identify troublesome veins, then scleorsant is injected as a foam into them. Once injected, the veins cleos within minutes.

Exercise 

The treatment for less serious conditions is exercise and a well-balanced diet. Exercise is vital for maintaining vein health, as the muscles help pump blood up the legs. Exercise will also help you to maintain a healthy weight. If you feel you require support during exercise, compression stockings can be worn to aid tired, aching legs.

Supplements

German researchers suggest an extract of the seed of the European horse chestnut can help with venous insufficiency. Studies have shown the extract to help relieve leg swelling and ‘seal’ leaking capillaries as well as improve the elastic strength of the veins. Various supplements, including vitamin E, bioflavonoids and digestive enzymes have been known to assist with improving circulation.

Prevention

Try the following at-home methods to reduce your likelihood of getting varicose or spider veins:

  • Have regular leg massages using light, upwards strokes
  • Avoid standing or sitting for too long
  • Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
  • Put your feet up when resting to help the flow of blood
  • Eat plenty of onions and garlic to increase vein elasticity

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