Now that spring is in the air, Boise residents are eager to get outdoors and enjoy the many activities available in this great state of ours. At the same time, COVID-19 continues to be a concern. With social distancing restrictions in place, it is important to do what you can to make staying at home more enjoyable. For many of us, this means spending time working on our homes and yards in preparation for the warm weather months ahead.
Fortunately, you can do plenty over the coming months, including making improvements around the home and working in the yard or garden.
While you are taking care of these tasks and adjusting to the ‘new normal,’ the Advanced Vein Therapy team encourages you to take time for some self-care.
Warm Weather Months Mean Varicose Veins Are More Noticeable
With the worst of winter behind us and warmer weather ahead, Treasure Valley residents naturally become more eager to spend time outdoors enjoying all Idaho has to offer. During the spring and summer timeframe, you may notice that your varicose veins become more noticeable.
Varicose veins are twisting and bulging lines that often appear on the legs and feet. They are caused by damaged valves within the blood vessels. This restricts blood flow, causing it to pull and become visible through the skin. Varicose veins impact more than a third of all adults. Factors that can increase your risks include:
- Your family history: If older family members suffer varicose veins, you are more likely to get them too.
- Your age: Getting older means more wear and tear on the veins, making varicose veins more likely.
- Your gender: Women are more susceptible to varicose veins, which are common during pregnancy.
- Your weight: Varicose veins are more common among people who are overweight.
- Sitting or standing for long periods: A lack of movement contributes to poor blood flow, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent Varicose Veins?
There is often nothing you can do to completely prevent varicose veins from appearing, but you can take steps to reduce the risks. Getting regular physical activity is a good start. Working out at gyms or engaging in group sports activities may be off-limits due to COVID-19, but doing tasks around your home and gardening in the spring and summer months can provide the exercise you need. Other self-care steps to take include:
- Watch your weight and shedding excess pounds;
- Eat a healthy diet, with high fiber and low salt content;
- Elevate your legs above your heart when resting;
- Change position regularly rather than sitting or standing in one spot for long periods.
Treatment Options For Varicose Veins This Spring
While you may not be able to prevent varicose veins, there are ways you can prevent them from being a problem throughout the warm weather months ahead. By getting treatment for varicose veins in the spring, you can improve your health and sense of self-esteem when wearing shorts, swimsuits, and other summer attire.
At Advanced Vein Therapy, we are a trusted leader in providing varicose vein treatment for people in Boise and the surrounding areas. Among the treatment options available include:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which uses radio waves to collapse varicose veins, causing them to disappear from view;
- Sclerotherapy, which uses a foamy medical solution to shrink varicose veins;
- Venaseal, which uses medical glue to seal varicose veins, preventing them from returning in the future.
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT) which uses light energy to close varicose veins, rerouting blood to healthier areas.
Let Us Help You Today
While you are taking care of tasks around your home this spring, make self-care a priority as well. Contact Advanced Vein Therapy and request a consultation in our Boise office to discuss your options in treating varicose veins today.