Is Sitting or Standing Better for Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can appear at any time for any number of reasons. Many people inherit them; others develop them because of pregnancy or extra weight gain. But can sitting or standing cause unsightly varicose or spider veins? To answer this question, we need to know exactly what causes varicose veins.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Faulty veins cause these unsightly veins. Veins have to rely on one-way valves to move blood back to the heart, unlike arteries which have muscle in the walls of the vessels. However, when these valves don’t always work perfectly, blood is allowed to flow backward through the valve. When this happens, blood pools in the veins due to gravity, causing it to become purple in color and lumpy.
Does Sitting Cause Varicose Veins?
Sitting does not cause varicose veins but sitting for long periods without moving can cause varicose veins to get worse. When someone sits, it does not allow their circulation to work as efficiently in the legs. The result is a pooling of blood within those abnormal veins.
Does Standing Cause Varicose Veins?
The same thing can happen if you stand for long periods or on your feet all day. The veins already fight gravity to send blood back to the heart when sitting down. It is only worse when the person is standing.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins
While you can’t prevent varicose veins completely due to its inherited nature, there are things you can do to minimize the likelihood that they will develop.
- Avoid standing in the same position for long periods of time
- Avoid sitting for long periods without getting up and walking around
- Get plenty of exercise and eat a healthy diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Put your feet up at the end of the day for at least 10 to 15 minutes
- Try compression stockings for leg support
But, again, there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins. However, there are procedures that can rid you of these ugly and sometimes painful veins. Sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation are effective treatments for both varicose and spider veins that we offer here at the Sheen Vein and Cosmetics.
Varicose Vein Treatment at Sheen Vein Institute
At the Sheen Vein and Cosmetics, we are the leading experts in St. Louis vein treatment because we offer therapies that are state-of-the-art. Our staff is dedicated to their patients and will ensure that you get the treatment you need to get the results you want. If you’ve started to notice varicose or spider veins in your legs, or think you might be at risk for them, don’t hesitate to call us today to schedule your appointment.
