Perhaps you never even noticed them before or maybe those unsightly veins were something you saw but didn’t think twice about because they weren’t bothering you in any way. During the holiday season, however, we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center often see an increase in the number of patients complaining about this disorder. Why? Standing for long periods of time—such as waiting on long lines to purchase your holiday gifts—puts extra pressure on veins and can result in pain and discomfort.
If you have varicose veins, you may notice that after a day at the mall your legs feel heavy and achy. The skin around the veins may be itchy or dry and the veins may actually throb or hurt. It’s not uncommon to have swelling in your feet, ankles or lower legs as well.
Getting Relief
If this occurs, it’s a good idea to make an appointment at our Venice office so that our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas can examine your legs and feet. In some cases, varicose veins can signal a problem with your circulatory system. There are several conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease that are associated with blood flow issues. The doctor will want to rule out a more serious condition.
The treatment for your veins will depend on the source and the foot doctor will go over the options available and the best one for your particular situation. In some cases, the podiatrist will recommend minimally invasive surgery or laser therapy. Most often, however, conservative measures can be utilized to lessen the irritation to the veins. These include:
- Wearing compression stockings
- Elevating the legs, especially at the end of the day
- Avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time; take breaks if your job requires hours at your desk or standing up
- A consistent exercise routine
- Weight loss if you are currently overweight as this puts additional strain on your veins
If you are concerned about varicose veins or have additional questions about this condition, contact us by calling: 562-420-9800.
