Summer may be an exciting time for many but for some people, including those with varicose veins, this season can be a source of discomfort.
If you have varicose or spider veins, the experts at Premier Vein Clinic in Knoxville have some tips to help you cope with summer:
Use sunscreen
Sunscreen should always be part of your skincare regimen, no matter what the season is.
Unprotected sun exposure can damage your skin, which can affect the tiny blood vessels beneath it. Sunburn can be an added risk for further inflammation.
When you sustain a sunburn, your body goes through a process to rush blood and nutrients to the area. This means the body would initiate an inflammatory immune response. This causes your veins to dilate and your system to be flooded with inflammatory chemicals. This could worsen your symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is very important during summer especially if you already have a compromised vascular system.
When you’re well-hydrated, your blood is thinner and flows easier. Dehydration causes your blood to thicken, making vein insufficiency problems like in varicose veins worse.
Keep moving
Regular physical activity is great for you especially if you have spider or varicose veins. Whether it’s walking, swimming, or cycling, take advantage of the beautiful weather to keep your body moving and heart pumping! Just 10 to 15 minutes of any physical activity can make a difference in your circulatory system.
Plan ahead
If you’re taking a trip this summer, make sure that you plan ahead for mini-breaks (if you’re taking a long road trip) to stretch your legs. If you’ll be away for days, it’s important to bring the right kind of clothes. You may want to consider clothes that are light and very loose, yet provide some protection from the sun (e.g. maxi dresses, light linen pants).
Eat well
Normally, when we’re on holiday, we tend to abandon our healthy eating habits. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a serving of ice cream or a bagel, it’s important to keep things in moderation.
Summer is usually a good season for a lot of fresh produce like berries and watermelon. These foods are packed with nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, which can help ward off inflammation. Add more nutrient-dense foods like these in your diet.
If you’re tired of the discomfort and embarrassment from your spider or varicose veins, Premier Surgical Vein Clinic in Knoxville can help.
We have the only team of board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists in the Knoxville area who can assess your veins and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you.
To request an appointment, you may call us at (865) 588-8229 or go online to request a complimentary consultation with our Vein nurse at https://www.premierveinclinics.com/request-an-appointment/.
References:
https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/circulation/varicose-veins/how-to-cope-with-varicose-veins-in-summer/
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/how-to-keep-your-veins-healthy