{"id":6638,"date":"2019-08-01T08:00:48","date_gmt":"2019-08-01T13:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=6638"},"modified":"2020-01-29T09:10:41","modified_gmt":"2020-01-29T15:10:41","slug":"varicose-veins-what-you-can-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/varicose-veins-what-you-can-do\/","title":{"rendered":"6 ways to prevent or delay varicose veins"},"content":{"rendered":"

Varicose veins and their relative, spider veins, are rarely serious, but they can be painful and are associated with the development of several conditions. While the exact causes for these conditions are unknown, there are steps you can take to manage and treat them.<\/p>\n

Spider and varicose veins<\/h2>\n
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Learn the options<\/p>\n

Find a provider near you<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Spider veins appear when a small group of veins near the skin’s surface becomes dilated. They appear as purple sunbursts or web vein patterns and are commonly found on the face and legs.<\/p>\n

Varicose veins are located deeper in the skin than spider veins and may appear raised, bulging or twisted, and often are blue, red or flesh colored. The damaged vein is a result of the one-way valves in the vein become weakened or damaged, causing blood to collect in the vein. Varicose veins\u00a0are often found on the thighs, calves or inside the leg.<\/p>\n

Some contributing factors for varicose veins include pregnancy<\/a>, heredity, prolonged standing, age, heavy lifting\u00a0and hormonal changes. Whatever the cause may be, the weak or damaged valves in the vein can lead to inflammation, blood clots and ulcers<\/a> when there is not proper drainage in the enlarged vein.<\/p>\n

What you can do<\/h2>\n

Varicose veins can cause pain and embarrassment, and you should talk to your primary care provider if the area is tender to the touch, warm, swollen or rash or sores appear on your leg around the ankle area.<\/a> And while you may not be able to keep varicose veins from forming, here are some tips to help prevent them from worsening:<\/p>\n

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  1. Don’t stand or sit for long periods of time\"\"<\/li>\n
  2. Don\u2019t cross your legs while seated<\/li>\n
  3. Don’t wear tight clothes, especially those that are constricting around the waist, groin or thighs<\/li>\n
  4. Elevate your legs when sitting or lying down, keeping them raised above your heart when possible<\/li>\n
  5. Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles in your legs<\/li>\n
  6. Lose weight to\u00a0improve blood flow<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Treatment options<\/h2>\n

    Treatment may include:<\/p>\n