Summer has much to offer as we look forward to the barbecues, days at the beach, ice cream, and outdoor activities, but let’s face it –– hot weather can also be uncomfortable for some. Whether we feel lethargic from heat or drenched in sweat, summertime leaves many of us longing for cooler temperatures. If you suffer from varicose veins, things may be even worse for you. When temperatures heat up, many with poor vein health experience increased symptoms like leg swelling, burning, throbbing, and cramping.
Heat and varicose veins don’t go together. Heat has a dilatory effect on veins which causes them to expand and fill with even more blood. Widening and stretching of veins results in getting filled with even more blood. This puts extra stress and pressure on valves and the walls of the veins leaving them permanently damaged. Although these symptoms are usually temporary and go away once increased heat exposure has ended, they can still pose uneasiness and discomfort. Although we’re used to hearing about using heating pads for injuries and sprains, this does not hold true for varicose veins.
This phenomenon holds true not just with rising temperatures in the climate but also when patients with varicose veins use heating pads for injuries or massage and sit in the sauna or jacuzzi to relax.
The bottom line on heat and varicose veins? Heat doesn’t cause varicose veins, but it sure can make your vein symptoms worse. If you are suffering from varicose veins, we want you to know that our vein specialists are available to help.
What Impact Does Heat Have on My Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are signs of underlying vein disease or venous insufficiency. This condition can develop when veins are placed under strain. Both genetic and lifestyle influences can contribute to this situation. When vein disease is present, tiny vein valves malfunction and cause blood to pool in different areas of the body. Most frequently, the legs, ankles, and feet are impacted. When veins begin to swell as a result of this pooled blood, varicose veins can form.
Any time your veins aren’t working properly, painful or uncomfortable venous symptoms can occur. Vein disease is considered a progressive disease, meaning symptoms get worse over time. During summer weather, increased warmth causes your veins to further dilate (widen) and fill with even more blood. This means your veins need to work harder than normal to circulate blood back to your heart
Having vein disease places you at increased risk for developing a number of potentially dangerous health conditions. These include the development of serious blood clots and venous ulcers. One type of blood clot, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), is considered a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.
Fortunately, lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and exercising regularly can help lower your risks. Vein treatment can also help alleviate symptomatic varicose veins.
Does Heat Help My Varicose Veins? Because this is a common question, we want to be very clear with our response. Heat can cause veins to expand further and increase your pain and discomfort.
Does Heat Make My Veins Pop Out? Heat can make unsightly veins appear visibly worse by causing them to further pop out above the skin’s surface.
Tips To Feel Better When It’s Hot
That said, there are plenty of things you can do to feel better when it’s hot. Our vein experts recommend the following:
Stay cool:
- During hot weather, try to remain inside and use a fan or air conditioning. If you do end up outdoors, try to stay in the shade.
- If you have access to a pool, take (short!) dips to cool down, and don’t go in the hot tub.
- You can also take cold showers and apply cooling towels to your sore, swollen legs.
Avoid the sun:
- The sun can damage your skin and impact your veins.
- Limiting sun exposure by wearing sunscreen, covering up with protective clothing, and reducing outdoor activities.
- When heading outside, stick to early morning or evening hours.
Drink water:
- Being well-hydrated can help reduce the type of swelling and cramping associated with varicose veins.
- We recommend avoiding beverages that are high in added sugars or contain alcohol.
Exercise:
- One of the best ways to get your blood moving is to exercise.
- Regular physical activity promotes better blood circulation and can bring symptomatic relief to pain.
- Our experts suggest pursuing moderate activities for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. I
- Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. If your job requires either, take frequent breaks to move around throughout the day.
Eat right:
- Reach for healthier food options- focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.
- A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol, manage your weight, and improve overall vein health.
Put your feet up:
- This position encourages blood from your lower extremities to flow back to your heart.
- Elevating your legs can alleviate pain and swelling.
- Lying flat on your back and propping your feet up on several pillows.
Use compression socks:
- While wearing compression socks may initially sound hot and uncomfortable, they can bring relief to painful leg symptoms.
- Ask your doctor whether this option is right for you. They can prescribe the right size and level of compression.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes like those listed above aren’t enough to manage symptoms and keep things from getting worse. That’s where vein treatment comes in. Numerous minimally-invasive vein treatment options are available to alleviate your symptoms and quickly improve your quality of life.
Discover Symptomatic Relief at USA Vein Clinics
The most important thing to know about heat and varicose veins is that there’s no need to suffer any longer. With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to take action.
At USA Vein Clinics, we offer minimally-invasive, office-based vein treatments that close off malfunctioning veins and reroute blood flow. In most cases, our state-of-the-art treatments can be performed during a lunch hour and require little to no downtime. You can leave immediately afterward and return to most normal activities.
To learn more, schedule an appointment online today.
