Op. Dr. Orhan Coşkun
How can I prevent the progression of varicose veins? Varicose veins are a progressive condition. It is challenging to keep them in their current state without addressing the underlying causes. However, taking preventive measures can slow down the progression and reduce the rate of advancement.
Some contributing factors are immutable, such as being female or having a family history. The majority, however, consists of modifiable factors under our control, including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged periods of standing, and constipation. Therefore, it is inevitable that factors slowing down the progression of varicose disease are associated with interventions on these modifiable factors.
Lifestyle Considerations:
1- Adopting an exercise routine that engages the calf muscles: Cycling, swimming, pilates, walking.
Preventing, slowing down, or post-treatment recurrence prevention of varicose veins is significantly influenced by engaging in regular exercise. Developing a sports habit is also beneficial for preventing obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions. We recommend the four fundamental sports mentioned above. The key point here is to engage the calf muscles and burn calories. Any sport that achieves this is beneficial. Another important point is not sporadically engaging in intensive sports for a month and then discontinuing but making exercise a part of your life. You can perform some simple exercises at your workplace, at home, or during travels. The brochure link below provides exercise examples in addition to all these recommendations.
2- Fiber-rich nutrition is essential for preventing varicose veins, as well as for bowel and body health.
Nutrition is another crucial factor for preventing varicose veins.
- Reducing caloric intake: Obesity is a significant contributor to the formation of varicose veins.
- Consuming fibrous foods: Constipation increases the pressure inside the veins, contributing to varicose vein formation.
- Consuming foods rich in vitamin C and E: These vitamins are crucial for vascular health: Orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, rose hip, red pepper, parsley, blueberry.
- Consuming foods containing flavonoids: Flavonoids are compounds that give color to fruits and vegetables and strengthen the blood vessel wall, protecting against the harmful effects of free radicals: Apple, broccoli, red grape, walnut, thyme, orange, onion, blueberry, buckwheat.
3- Avoiding frequent use of tight clothing and very high-heeled shoes.
4- Since excessive heat can cause the dilation of varicose veins and increase your complaints, it is beneficial to avoid extremely hot environments and hot water.
5- Conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure (obesity, constipation, heavy lifting) are harmful to varicose patients.
6- Excessive consumption of highly alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and caffeinated drinks is not recommended.
7- Individuals who work standing or sitting for long periods are more likely to develop varicose veins. Those who work in this way can relax by performing the recommended exercises and occasionally elevating their legs above chest level for rest.
8- Avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy, engaging in exercise, and using varicose stockings if necessary will help you get through this period, which is most prone to the emergence of varicose veins, in good health.
9- Some studies suggest that certain hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, may contribute to the development of varicose veins. However, you should not stop taking them without your doctor’s knowledge.
