Winter can cause a lot more distress to our bodies than just being cold.
For many of us, winter means spending a lot of time indoors, eating comfort food, and binge-watching our favorite TV shows. Did you know that the low temperatures outside could have an adverse impact on vein health?
When temperatures dip – even in places known for mild winter weather – if you suffer from varicose veins or spider veins, you may notice pain and discomfort.
Cold Weather’s Impact on Circulation
Vein disease is partially caused by increased pressure in the legs. This can be caused by excessive sitting/standing, lack of exercise, poor diet, and also a change in the weather.
When it starts to get cold and snow begins to fall, it causes a temporary change in the atmosphere. As the pressure in the atmosphere fluctuates, you may start to notice your body feels heavier. This can cause poor blood circulation, which is often a sign that something is wrong.
If you are suffering from poor circulation, a vein specialist can help identify the cause and create personalized treatment plans.
Important Winter Health Concerns
The two most obvious health concerns of winter weather are frostbite and hypothermia. But freezing temperatures can impact heart health. Our hearts have to work harder to keep our bodies warm, and heart attacks are more common in winter, according to the American Heart Association.
Winter weather has been noted as a trigger for increased heart attack risk due to restricted blood flow through constricted vessels caused by cold temperatures. Even in the mild climate of Los Angeles County, about a third more heart attack deaths occur in December and January than in June through September. ¹
The cold weather will likely make you less active. Consecutive inactivity combined with poor diet can cause varicose veins to form.
Winter is a very dry time of the year, which can suck the moisture from skin, which can lead to increased risk for venous ulcers.
5 Health Tips for Improved Vein Health This Winter
Winter can be a challenging time of year, but your health doesn’t have to suffer if you take measures to improve your
- Elevate your legs for at least 30 minutes during the day.
- Use a soothing moisturizer to relieve dry skin, and pay close attention to the appearance of your legs.
- Drinks lots of water and avoid eating foods packed with sodium and bad cholesterol.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes every day- even if it’s walking around your house.
- Stretch at least three times a day.
- Know the symptoms of vein disease that signal you need to be seen by a vein doctor.
Common Vein Disease Symptoms
Know the seven signs of vein disease:
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
- Cramps or achiness in the thigh or calf
- Tired or heavy legs
- Leg restlessness, especially at night
- Itchy, dry, or hardened skin on your legs
- Open, non-healing wounds on your legs and ankles
- Leg pain that is alleviated by walking or leg elevation
If you experience any of the above symptoms of vein disease in legs, consult with a vein specialist to learn how treatment can help you find relief.
Getting Ahead of Winter Health Problems
At USA Vein Clinics, we offer effective, high-quality treatments for the various symptoms of vein disease. Our treatments can be done in as little as 15 minutes, and require no downtime for recovery. That means you can be back on your feet doing what you love in no time. Give us a call at 888.768.3467 for everything you need to know about treatments, insurance and everything else in between.
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