Winter is on the horizon, and you might look forward to lower temperatures and snowy conditions. But the cold weather can impact your vascular health, especially if you have a history of vein disorders like varicose veins.
When exposed to cold temperatures, your blood vessels constrict. Then your heart must pump harder to ensure blood can reach its desired destination through these narrower vessels. Under the increased pressure, you could face a higher risk of developing vein diseases.
However, you can take action in order to reduce the risk to your veins that winter can bring. Meet with a vein specialist to learn details about your specific vascular needs. But you can also read on to find three methods that can give your blood circulation a boost this holiday season.
Engage in Physical Activity
During the winter, you might feel an instinct to hunker down indoors. But if you notice yourself becoming more sedentary in this season, you might want to make an effort to reverse this inclination. A lack of physical activity can increase your risk of developing varicose veins and other vein disorders.
Prolonged sitting and a lack of exercise will lead to a decline in your circulation, which encourages the blood to pool. Then you can see swelling, bulging, and discoloration in your veins against the skin.
Make sure you continue a consistent exercise regimen that suits your needs. If you cannot walk, run, or complete other cardio activities to get your heart pumping, you can try stretching routines that ensure you maintain some activity.
Keeping a good exercise schedule can also prevent weight gain commonly associated with the holiday season. And this can further help you avoid another risk factor associated with vein disease.
Wear Compression Garments
Compression stockings and other similar garments will fit tightly against the skin. Not only will the extra garments keep you warm and help you avoid narrowing in the blood vessels associated with cold weather. But the squeezing sensation encourages healthy blood flow in those targeted areas.
When you wear compression garments, you can prevent the accumulation of blood in the veins that will otherwise lead to varicose veins. Plus, in the winter, you wear long sleeves and pants that can hide these garments so that they do not disrupt your personal style.
Try a Massage
A massage can relax and soothe tense muscles. But the gentle motions on your skin also encourage blood flow, improving your circulation. You can book a professional massage to treat yourself to a spa-like experience. However, you can also do a self-massage on your legs and other high-risk areas of your body for varicose veins.
Apply a small amount of lotion or oil on your hands. Then use soft, circular motions with your thumbs along your feet, ankles, calves, and thighs. Knead the skin and muscles carefully. This can be a highly beneficial activity after you exercise to help your legs cool down after a workout.