The Heat Is On Your Veins This Summer!
Heat and Varicose Veins
A couple minutes outside in July and August can leave you wanting to find the nearest air conditioning, but varicose veins hate the sweltering temperatures as much as you. Varicose veins occur when a vein valve ceases to function as it should. Blood isn’t properly pumped through your circulatory systems and pools in the vein, normally in the lower leg. This can cause dark, visible veins and heavy, aching legs. Warm temperatures can cause swelling of the legs which lessens the veins’ abilities to pump blood. Don’t let varicose veins ruin your summer, though.
Here are a few adjustments that can be made to enjoy the summer months.
- Stay as cool as possible: Wear loose, light colored clothes instead of dark colors which absorb heat.
- Spend more time at the pool: An added benefit in the relaxing, low-impact exercise helps improve your venous health without putting too much pressure on your joints.
- Pack a water bottle: While water is imperative for staying cool and avoiding heat sickness, it’s also beneficial for venous health. Proper hydration helps your blood circulation.
- Put on compression stockings: After spending time in the hot weather, compression stockings can help your veins handle any stress the heat may have placed on them. So be sure to put them on when returning indoors.
