Talking about weight is a sensitive thing, and it’s not a topic to approach lightly. While different individuals have different healthy weight ranges, sudden or extreme weight gain is linked to many adverse health impacts. Still, regardless of how much someone weighs, it’s essential to find ways to treat their health issues while respecting their dignity.
As a vein treatment center, the professionals at Heart of Dixie Vein & Vascular want to ensure that all of our patients understand various vein conditions, including the underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
In this guide, we discuss the ways that weight gain impacts varicose veins and then detail how you can better manage your varicose veins to find relief from default symptoms.
Weight Gain and Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can develop for many reasons. Factors like gender, age, and genetics play a role, and it’s also common for varicose veins to develop during pregnancy. Still, weight does play a part in the development of varicose veins, as excess weight can impact the heart and veins.
Why Weight Gain Impacts Veins
Veins have small valves that close. When this happens, blood is pushed back toward the heart. Being overweight may put excess straining on these valves, impacting their ability to move the blood toward the heart. This can cause the blood to pool in the vein, which creates swelling.
The combination of weight gain and other risk factors means some people develop varicose veins when they gain weight, and gaining more weight may also worsen the symptoms of varicose veins.
Tips for Managing Weight to Improve Vein Health
The best way to address weight gain is to work with your healthcare team, but overall, you can follow a few tips to help maintain a healthy weight and improve your vein health.
Here’s some general advice to follow:
- Exercise often: Exercising helps with weight loss and removes pressure on the veins. Try low-impact options like the elliptical and swimming.
- Eat a healthy diet: Salty foods can be especially bad for your veins. In general, try to eat a balanced diet that includes many fruits and vegetables.
- Stay moving: Sitting too often can impact your weight and is also linked to varicose vein issues. If you work an office job or often sit for long periods, make sure to walk around frequently and get in some physical activity. Even walking up the stairs can help.
Reach Out to Our Vein Experts Today
If you’re dealing with varicose veins or other vein problems, the medical staff at Heart of Dixie Vein & Vascular is here to assist you. We can help find ways to alleviate your symptoms and look at effective treatment options for varicose veins.
Regardless of the underlying reasons for your varicose veins, we will find solutions to improve your quality of life. Call our office today to request an appointment or to learn more about varicose veins treatment options.
