Everything Nurses Need to Know About Varicose Veins
As a nurse, you spend most of you time on your feet. Often this can me many problems for nurses when they are older, such as back pain, foot pain and of course, varicose veins.
Here is everything you need to know about varicose veins, how to prevent them and how to treat them.
What are varicose veins?
According to WebMD, “varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin.”1
There are multiple things that can cause varicose veins. Aira from Fairness & Flawless Skin Care Products says “poor blood circulation and loss of vein elasticity are what cause veins to bulge and swell, resulting in varicose veins.”2
Varicose veins quick facts
- Visible varicose veins are 10 to 15 percent more prevalent in women than in men, largely because of pregnancy and female hormones, both of which can weaken veins.
- Even if the blue twisted veins cannot be seen, varicose veins may still be present if there is skin darkening or blackening or if there are appearance of wounds on the legs which do not heal.
- Hemorrhoids are a kind of varicose veins.
- Varicose veins don’t always hurt, but many people experience aching, swelling, cramping and itching around the raised veins.
- Any vein can become a varicose vein.3
How to prevent varicose veins?
As a nurse, spending your days on your feet, you’re chances of getting varicose veins are higher than someone who has a desk job. Because of this reality, it’s important that you take certain precautions to prevent the formation of varicose veins. Here are some easy ways to prevent varicose veins:
- Wear compression socks. Compression socks are an easy way to improve blood circulation in your legs due to the pressure they provide. Having good blood circulation helps prevents your chances of having varicose veins.
- Eat healthy. The heavier you are, the more weight your legs have to support. Eating healthy helps keep your weight it check, which helps take pressure off of your legs.
- Stay active. Exercise helps with improving blood circulation and promotes an overall healthier circulatory system.
- Elevate your legs at the end of the day. Elevating your legs at the end of the day helps to relieve fatigue in your legs that has been building up during the day.3
While this is not an all-encompassing list, it is a great start to preventing varicose veins.
How to treat varicose veins?
If you’re reading this, and you already have varicose veins, we bet you’re wondering what you can do to treat or get rid of them. Here are a few home remedies from Steth News for varicose veins:
- Eat chili peppers. Chili peppers help to decongest clogged veins, which helps improve circulation.
- Eat garlic. Garlic helps to reduce inflammation that is caused by poor circulation.
- Use aloe vera. The cooling effect of aloe vera can help relieve the pain associated with varicose veins.
- Take an immerse bath. Sit in a tub with one cup of apple cider vinegar and bath salt for 20 minutes to help relieve pain. Also try massaging the leg while it is soaking.4
Varicose veins are an unfortunate reality for many people who spend a lot of time on their feet. To avoid these unsightly and painful veins, take steps now to prevent them from forming in the first place.
How do you avoid the formation of varicose veins? Tell us in the comments below!
SOURCES:
- http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures-spider-veins
- http://fairnessflawless.com/say-goodbye-to-varicose-veins-the-safe-way/
- http://www.nursebuff.com/2014/08/how-nurses-can-prevent-varicose-veins/
- http://www.stethnews.com/2719/11-home-remedies-for-your-varicose-veins/
