There are many risk factors for varicose, including obesity, genetics, sedentary lifestyles, and pregnancy. As such, it is a common condition. Though varicose veins may develop from any combination of factors at any point in your lifetime, many people experience worsening symptoms in the summer months.
Heat is one of the primary causes of summer varicose veins. However, you could take several proactive steps to prevent your condition from worsening so that you can enjoy the summertime. Schedule a consultation to speak with Dr. Pinsinski about the best way to reduce your symptoms in the hotter months.
As you age, the veins in your legs weaken because blood flow in the lower half of your body is working against gravity. Poor valve functioning in your legs can cause your blood to flow backward, collecting in your veins. This medical issue is known as varicose veins and appears as twisted, bulging veins beneath the surface of your skin.
Varicose veins are an aesthetic concern for many people, especially during the summer, when more people wear clothes that show their legs. If you are self-conscious about wearing shorts or swimsuits, you may feel the need to cover, which can be uncomfortable on hot days. Not only can this condition cause aesthetic problems, but some people also experience leg pain, swelling, muscle cramping, and achy or heavy feelings to the legs, which may limit your physical abilities.
One of the most prominent symptoms of varicose veins is swelling in the legs. The summer heat causes veins to expand and swell even more, weakening their functioning further. Therefore, the condition typically worsens as temperatures rise.
During the summer months, people also tend to be more active. Very demanding, high-impact activities such as running, soccer, volleyball, and basketball can put a lot of stress on your legs and veins. This can exacerbate varicose vein symptoms like swelling, skin discoloration, and discomfort.
There are several steps you can take to manage and relieve symptoms of varicose veins. For example, engaging in low-impact exercises regularly can improve your condition. Consistent exercises can also help you lose weight, which can relieve excess pressure on your leg muscles and affected veins.
You should also consider doing the following during the summer months:
These steps can help you reduce vein swelling and other symptoms during the summer.
Most people with varicose veins have worse symptoms during the summer. The heat during the summer months makes your veins expand more than they do during other times of the year, contributing to worse symptoms.
However, avoiding exposure to the sun and heat while making lifestyle changes can help you manage your summer varicose veins. Contact Artemis Vein Center today to learn more tips for managing your condition.
