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Do you often feel that your legs are heavy or tired, especially after long hours of standing? You might be suffering from varicose veins – a condition that can lead to severe complications and even death if left untreated.
Varicose veins are quite common; however, they are often misdiagnosed as mere cosmetic concerns. In reality, they are signs of damaged valves in the veins that require proper care and attention.
Now, varicose veins can be cured with advanced treatment methods and even prevented with effective lifestyle changes. In this blog, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a reputed vein doctor in Kolkata, shares some useful tips on how to protect yourself from varicose veins and even discusses advanced modalities of treatment.
Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins get weakened or damaged. So, instead of flowing to the heart, the blood pools in the legs, causing the veins to appear swollen, twisted and enlarged.
In the initial days, patients might not feel any troublesome experience except for the appearance of the veins; however, as it progresses, some of the noticeable symptoms include pain, achiness, itchiness and heaviness in the legs.
Although varicose veins are curable, preventing further progression of the symptoms is important for a successful treatment. Hence, always make sure to consult an experienced vein doctor, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, who can provide personalised strategies according to your needs.
Whether you are dealing with varicose veins or simply looking to prevent the condition, here are the expert tips you can follow, as suggested by Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, a reputed vein doctor in Kolkata.
It is one of the risk factors that impede blood flow in the veins. If you are in a job that requires long hours of standing, make sure to take small breaks in between to sit. You can also walk around or perform exercises like raising your calf or ankle rotation for proper blood circulation.
If you are overweight, you are putting excessive pressure on your legs, which makes it harder for the blood to flow. Make sure to maintain a healthy weight to avoid extra strain on the legs for the functioning of the veins.
Aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, like walking, yoga, swimming and cycling, is extremely essential to manage varicose veins, as it improves blood circulation and helps push the blood into the heart. This, in turn, reduces pressure in the veins and alleviates symptoms like pain and swelling. Moreover, regular exercise also prevents the development of new varicose veins.
As a reputed vein doctor in Kolkata, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik advises patients to wear compression stockings, as they improve blood flow in the veins by applying pressure, which prevents the blood from pooling and reduces blood clots. If you are suffering from severe discomfort associated with varicose veins, make sure to wear compression stockings throughout the day. However, consulting a doctor is advisable in case if you have any underlying conditions or to determine the level of compression required.
Raising your legs while sitting or lying down for at least 15-30 minutes makes a great difference in improving varicose veins. Performing this simple exercise several times a day assists gravity in assisting blood flow back to the heart, thereby reducing pressure and pooling of blood in the legs.
High heels and tight-fitting clothes, especially around the waist, groin or legs, restrict blood flow and compress the nerves in the veins. Moreover, wearing high heels every day prevents the muscles in the calf from contracting and relaxing as they normally do. Hence, choose low-heeled shoes and loose clothes to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling of the legs.
Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik shares a few effective vein health tips that you can implement today.
Although there is no specific food that can prevent varicose veins, it is recommended to follow a diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds to support healthy vein function and efficient blood circulation.
Adequate water intake is important for blood viscosity and volume. When an individual is dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker, making it harder for the heart to pump the blood. This reduces the likelihood of blood pooling, which results in the development of varicose veins.
If you are required to stand for long hours, don’t forget to inspect your legs regularly to check for signs of discolouration, swelling and sores that are not healing. In that case, visit a vein doctor for early detection and appropriate treatment.
Surgery is one of the effective treatment options to cure varicose veins. It helps in improving the symptoms associated with varicose veins, like pain, swelling and itchiness. Even the cosmetic appearance of the veins becomes better afterwards. However, conventional procedures come with their disadvantages, like longer hospital stays, increased post-operative discomfort and prolonged recovery.
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) has emerged as a new and minimally invasive alternative in treating varicose veins, carried out by Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a reputed vein doctor in Kolkata. It is a painless technique where laser beams are used to ablate the swollen veins.
After the procedure, the leg is completely wrapped in a compression stocking. Patients start to notice changes in the severity and prominence of the veins within a week.
While lifestyle changes are effective in managing or preventing the progression of varicose veins, if the symptoms become more troublesome, it is essential to consult an experienced vein doctor in Kolkata, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik. He will conduct a thorough examination of your venous system and suggest the best treatment option based on the severity of the symptoms.