Summer cannot last a lifetime no matter how much we may wish it did. The chilly temperatures during winter and fall bring along some drawbacks mostly because people stay indoors without much to do. People with varicose veins may find these cold seasons particularly cumbersome because of increased intensity of symptoms caused by inactivity. Below, we highlight the effects of cold weather on your veins and provide tips you can use to counter these effects.
To some extent, cold weather and holiday seasons are beneficial for varicose veins. Cold weather can cause your blood vessels to diminish, allowing the valves in the veins to work accordingly and reduce pressure around the ankles and calves. Consequently, a person may experience less pain during cold weather which also translates to fewer cramps and swollen ankles after a busy day. However, cold weather also has its downsides.
Weight gain
Adding weight during the holiday months is a common occurrence, more so if diners spend most of their time indoors. Staying indoors for long periods tends to make people eat more partly because of boredom or out of comfort. Think of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year and you’ll see that it’s typical behavior for people to practice unhealthy eating habits around these times of year. The unfortunate thing is that winter weight gain puts stress on your legs and pressure on your veins.
Staying indoors, again, leads to taking convenience meals that will prevent us from going outside. As a result, we tend to eat more junk foods, processed foods, and snacks. Proper vein health requires fiber-rich foods which help in the circulation process.
Changes in atmospheric pressure
As it begins to snow, the atmospheric pressure also changes. This is perhaps the most significant difference between warm and cold weather. Such changes in atmospheric pressure can cause problems to your veins. Once there’s a change in atmospheric pressure, it gives an illusion that your body weighs more which affects how blood circulates throughout your body. You can quickly face vein-related complications in such conditions.
How to manage varicose veins in winter
Exercise is a powerful tool for most health conditions. Taking steps to exert yourself while indoors is key to ensuring that the valves in your veins do their bit to continue to pump blood. Pick up an indoor sport or join a gym – anything that will keep you active during the cold season is welcome.
At Pacific Vein Care, we offer sclerotherapy for persons with vein diseases such as varicose veins. Schedule a consultation with us today and let us talk you through the different phases of vein treatment.
