Varicose veins are a common problem that typically causes us to go into virtual hiding. It is women who are primarily affected by these bulging veins, and who go from feeling great wearing a pair of shorts or skirt to choosing only pants as a solution to the cosmetic issues they face. After a while, though, concerns may start to revolve around how to just get comfortable after a long day of work, or how to avoid certain triggers that may increase uncomfortable symptoms. Some of these triggers may be missed, and some of them may simply be misunderstood. We want to look at two of them here.
Can’t Stand the Heat?
Oh! The glorious days of summer! In Southern California, it may feel as though the heat just doesn’t stop sometimes. We are fortunate in that way because it allows us more outdoor fun. However, some people miss the correlation between increased temperatures and increased symptoms of venous insufficiency. Symptoms like swelling, aching, and itching may increase substantially in response to rising temperatures. This is important to recognize because it isn’t only the outdoor temperatures that could affect symptoms. Sauna use and even hot baths and showers can also aggravate weak veins. Here’s why . . .
The body needs a healthy ratio of salt to water. When we overheat, salt is depleted from the body through sweating. So, to mitigate this, we must drink more water. Sufficient salt to water ratios means less fluid retention, which means less venous pressure, which means greater comfort. Don’t you love it when things can be that simple?
Can’t Stand the Altitude?
Thanks to air travel, we can see the world! But air travel may incite anxiety of another kind for people with varicose veins. Not long ago, there was a common thought that pressure increases at altitude brought on heightened symptoms in varicose veins. What experts now suggest is that it is not the altitude that causes this, but the lack of movement that may occur during long flights. This is great news because it means you don’t have to forego that trip across the pond to care for your veins! It just means you want to move around as often as possible during your air travel.
There is a way to put an end to the cosmetic and physical consequences of varicose veins; several. To learn more about the treatments available in our Los Angeles area office, call (818) 325-0400.