The humid New Jersey summers are notorious for increasing discomfort in patients who suffer from painful varicose veins. For permanent relief, you’ll want to visit our vein physicians in New Jersey. In the meantime, you can learn more about the pain varicose veins summer brings on.
How Humidity & Heat Affects Your Veins
In summer, varicose veins are sometimes referred to as heat veins. This is because humidity and heat have an ill effect on varicose veins. Even if you have only relatively minor varicose veins, excess heat can make them worse.
Your body responds to heat by dilating the blood vessels. This allows more blood, salt and other bodily fluids to accumulate in the veins. This is a natural part of the cooling process, since the extra salt promotes the process of perspiration.
However, when this occurs in a person with weak veins or vein walls that have been damaged, the extra blood ends up pooling in the veins, which in turn causes them to swell and become painful. High outside temperatures can not only contribute to the development of varicose veins, it can also make the pain much worse.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
If you have any doubt as to whether you have varicose veins, you should meet our vein physicians in New Jersey. You might also be on the lookout for the following symptoms of varicose veins:
- Painful or aching legs
- Throbbing in the legs
- Chronic cramping of the leg muscles
- Discoloration near the surface of the skin
- Itchy ankles and calves
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Visible swelling of the veins on the legs
Tips To Reduce Varicose Leg Pain
Varicose veins can be incredibly painful, but treatment is available. While you’re waiting for your appointment, there are some things you can do at home to temporarily reduce varicose leg pain. Here’s how to relieve varicose vein pain while waiting for treatment day:
Elevate Your Legs
You may be able to achieve immediate relief from painful leg veins simply by elevating your legs. This reduces swelling and blood flow to the legs. To do, simply lie down on your bed with your feet on your pillow. Slide forward and prop your legs up against the headboard or wall so your legs from a 45-degree angle. Remain in this position at least 15 minutes per session.
Soak in Cool Bath Water
Try filling a bathtub with cool water. This induces the blood vessels in your legs to shrink slightly, which may alleviate swelling and pain. If the water is uncomfortably cool to sit in, just sit on the side of the tub and soak your lower legs until the pain subsides.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial to optimal blood circulation. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and limit caffeine, which can dehydrate.
Tips To Prevent Varicose Vein Pain
Once you have developed varicose veins, you will eventually have pain associated with the condition. You can do certain things to prevent the onset of pain, however. These include:
Avoid Prolonged Sitting
When you sit for long periods of time, blood may pool in your legs. Try standing for a minute or two every 15 minutes or so. A quick walk around the room before sitting down again may help prevent varicose vein pain from flaring up.
Wear Loose Clothing
Today’s trendy skinny jeans won’t do your varicose vein pain any favors. In fact, tight clothing is restricting and can exacerbate vein pain. Opt for looser pants or long skirts instead.
Choose Flats or Slippers
High heels—even kitten heels—can make vein pain unbearable. At least until you can meet our vein physicians in New Jersey, choose flats or house slippers for footwear. Otherwise, you would be putting tremendous pressure on areas of your body that could make your vein pain worse.
Varicose veins are a terrible condition that can greatly reduce your quality of life. Effective treatments are available. Why not contact us today to learn more about your varicose veins treatment options?