Preventing varicose veins

Are those unsightly bluish, ropelike veins on your legs getting you down? Do varicose veins run in your family?

Fluctuation in hormones, highheeled shoes, age, occupation, heat and obesity are just some of the factors causing many women to suffer from painful spider or varicose veins.

Due to some predisposed conditions, varicose and spider veins may be inevitable for some people.

However, there are many preventative measures and medical techniques available to diminish the appearance and pain associated with these vein conditions, according to Dr. Robert Weiss, vice president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

He offers these tips:

+Varicose veins can lead to serious complications like fatigue, night cramps, leg swelling or itching. If you're experiencing any of these, contact a dermasurgeon, a specialist in skin and vein conditions.

+Keep legs moving. Walking, cycling and swimming all help blood circulation and reduce pressure and blood pooling.

+Maintain a healthy weight.

+Wear compression stockings to elevate pressure to the veins. However, avoid restrictive clothing around the waist, legs and the groin that can restrict circulation.

+Don't sit or stand for long periods of time. Change positions every 30 minutes.

+Don't subject legs to excessive heat. Keep hot baths to a minimum.

+Don't fall for bogus advertisements offering treatments that are too good to be true.

For more information on varicose veins, visit www.asds.net.

This story is provided by State Point Media.