The idea that by simply crossing your legs you can cause yourself to end up with painful varicose veins is a rather upsetting thought. Especially, if you are one of those people who always sit with one leg dropped over the other.
Did you know that despite popular belief, crossing your legs doesn’t actually cause varicose veins? But the bad news is that for anyone who has varicose veins in the family, crossing your legs can cause them to appear.
Although you may have heard about varicose veins, you may not know that much about them. Perhaps you are wondering what causes them, how you can prevent them or how they are treated, and that’s what we are here for.
To tell you everything you need to know about varicose veins, we have put together this handy guide below:
Why do varicose veins appear?
Let’s start simply with what causes varicose veins to appear. Is it just luck of the draw? Is it hereditary? What is the cause of those painful little veins?
To explain properly, we need to start off with a little reminder of how the body works. So, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the limbs and veins then carry the de-oxygenated blood to the heart and lungs. The valves inside your body keep the blood moving in the correct direction, however, sometimes they can give way. This causes the veins to stretch and eventually leak blood and protrude, causing varicose veins.
If varicose veins run in your family, this means that genetically you may have weaker valves and be more likely to develop varicose veins. However, just because they run in your family, it doesn’t mean you will necessarily get them, you are just at higher risk.
Can varicose veins be prevented?
If varicose veins run in your family or even if they don’t, you might be wondering what the best way to prevent them from occurring is.
There are a few ways you can help to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins, but one of the best ways is through regular exercise.
By working out on a regular basis, you will control your weight and keep the muscles in your legs stronger and healthier, making you less prone to vascular leakage. Aim to exercise using low-impact activities, like swimming and cycling, these only put a low level of strain on the legs so are ideal. Did you know that high impact activities like running, can increase your risk of developing varicose veins?
Are varicose veins treatable?
Varicose veins are easily treatable, if they are severe they may require an operation known as vascular vein repair to treat them properly. This treatment is an easy way to get your varicose veins treated, and best of all, is only considered a minor procedure.
If your varicose veins are small, then the best and cheapest way to treat them is by using a special water-resistant makeup to cover them. Or you can take special supplements that can help to reduce discomfort – ask your doctor for advice about this.