Tips for Healthy Veins and Vein Procedures this Autumn

As the summer comes to an end, we get some relief with cooler weather. You might think that cooler weather will give your vein discomfort some relief too. To some extent that is true. Unfortunately, varicose veins can irritate all year-round. Now that long pants are becoming the norm, it might be a good time to come in for a vein screening or start to think about having that procedure done that you’ve been putting off.

Take advantage of compression socks during the cold weather

Compression socks are one of the ways we recommend that patients keep their varicose veins under control. During the colder months, they’re easier to wear, since they add warmth to the legs and you can hide them under long pants or dresses, letting nobody around know that you’re even wearing them.

How they work

Compression socks and stockings are designed to keep pressure on the lower legs. Pressure helps maintain blood flow and keep swelling under control, which often alleviates discomfort. Vein doctors often prescribe them in the interim when preparing to have a varicose vein procedure performed to prevent anything from getting worse. Varicose veins and many other vein conditions that we treat are known to cause poor blood flow that compression socks can help with.

Go for a walk

Now that the weather has cooled down a bit, it’s as good a time as ever to go on a nice, brisk walk or jog. Head to the local park and just get to walking. Keep a good pace. Your legs will thank you when your blood starts flowing and your body starts heating up.

The fall time is one of the best times of the year to do outdoor exercise. Grab your phone and listen to your favorite podcast while you do it to keep your mind off of exercising.

Why you shouldn’t be sitting all day

When you don’t walk, run, or do any kind of exercise, you live what is called a “sedentary” lifestyle. When you live this way for years at a time, your legs and veins do not need to pump the same level of blood as they do when you are healthy, up, and about. It’s kind of like telling your body to shut down because you don’t need it. Not good!

Make sure to get up at least a few times a day to alternate sitting and standing as much as you can. It’s easy to do and your veins will thank you in the long run. If you work from home or have options at work, opt for a standing desk or one that mechanically moves up and down. That’ll make it easier for you to alternate standing and sitting at work.

Eat veggies that are good for your veins when they’re in season

As the seasons change, some of our favorite fruits and vegetables come in and out of season. Broccoli is one of the vegetables that come into season and tastes great during the fall. It’s nutritious and can help you improve vein health and circulation. Onions can help do the same thing!

Why is Autumn the best time to treat varicose veins?

Aside from some of the reasons we stated above, there are more reasons why you are better off treating varicose veins in the autumn than you are at any other time of year. Here are some of the most common:

Cooler weather is better for healing

After surgery, doctors will often recommend avoiding heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Heat can cause your veins to dilate, causing blood to pool when veins are not functioning correctly. Skin also loses elasticity when heat causes collagen to break down, weakening the vein walls. UV rays tend to drop off quite a bit in the fall and winter months, making the colder seasons the best time to have vein procedures done.

Timing

Timing is also on your side when you have a vein procedure done in the autumn rather than other parts of the year. Nobody wants to still be healing when the weather gets warm and less clothing becomes the norm. Having a varicose vein procedure done in the fall means you have all winter to heal up, getting you ready to be fully healed in time for spring in most cases.

Compressions stockings are more comfortable

As we mentioned earlier, the cold weather makes it more comforatble to wear compression stockings, which are often mandatory for a number of weeks after your procedure. Naturally, compression stockings can get warm if you are wearing them in the hot weather. Think of it as wearing knee high socks. They’re very similar aside from the “compression” aspect.

Summary notes

If you are looking to have a vein screening or a procedure done to correct varicose veins, autumn is generally the best time to do it. If you are interested in getting more information about your veins, have them checked, or get the treatment process started, now is the best time of year to do it. Get in touch with us at Chicago Vein Institute if you’re interested in learning more.

Thanks for reading.