Thursday, April 3, 2008

How to Prevent and Cure Varicose Veins

How to Prevent and Cure Varicose Veins
Spider veins are those small blue veins which can appear
just below the surface of the skin, and are named such for
their resemblance to spider legs. Often forming on the face
and legs, they can appear on the abdomen as well, usually
happening in expectant mothers.

Not harmful in and of themselves, they are nevertheless
unattractive and embarrassing to the sufferer. Many who are
affected by spider veins refuse to allow any part of their
body having them to be seen. Spider veins are more
prevalent in women than in men.

Fortunately, there are some effective methods to prevent
and cure spider veins. Prevention is far preferable, as the
only way to treat them after they do show up is through a
minor surgical procedure. Prevention of course, can be a
harder sell since the "instant gratification" factor is not
present. People cannot see the results of prevention as
they can with a cure.

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent spider
veins. Walking is effective, having a positive outcome on
the circulation of the legs and improving vein health
overall. Swimming also is a good choice; it is good for
general health and circulation in particular, making it a
good way to prevent spider veins.

In fact, anything improving overall health is a good way to
go. Yoga is very good, as is Pilates. Even old-fashioned
medicine ball exercises are effective in getting yourself
in good shape, and towards avoiding spider vein formation.

One of the best methods to prevent and cure spider veins is
to refrain from standing still for a long time in in place.
When standing still, blood can pool in the veins of the
legs, and the blood doesn't have the benefit of muscular
movement to help push it back towards the heart.

Shift your weight from time to time if you cannot help
standing still for a lengthy period. Bouncing on ones toes
will also help circulation in the legs because of this
muscular movement. A brief walk periodically will be a
great help; do this if at all possible (perhaps a walk
around the block).

Crossing ones legs while seated can worsen the condition as
well. This slows blood flow from the knees on down,
allowing blood to pool in the veins. It also increases
blood pressure in the legs.

Another factor that can put undue pressure on the legs and
contribute to spider veins is high heels. This is because
high heels also slow blood flow to the heart and cause
constriction in the blood vessels of the legs.

Tight clothes have a similar effect on circulation (pants,
even underwear can have this effect) Additionally, such
clothing contributes to cellulite formation, another reason
to eschew these items.

While spider veins are completely curable, they will
however involve a trip to a cosmetic surgeon. They will be
able to resolve the problem through a minor surgical
procedure.

There are two ways to remove spider veins: sclerotherapy or
lasers.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical agent (a
sclerosing agent) into the problem vein. This chemical
causes the vein to dissolve, essentially. In laser
treatment, lasers are used to heat the vein until a clot is
formed, which will destroy the vein.

There are several methods to prevent and cure spider veins.
The best of these is prevention through diet and regular
exercise. As they always told you growing up, an ounce of
prevention is better than a pound of cure.


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about diabetes, asthma, headaches, varicose veins and more.

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