Staying Healthy and Active This Mental Health Month

Mental Health Month takes on added meaning in light of the coronavirus crisis. But self-care can help you keep a positive attitude — and reduce your varicose vein pain.

For the past 70 years, May has been designated as Mental Health Month to raise public awareness of the importance of mental and emotional well-being. This year, as many struggle with the disruptions and anxiety brought about in their family and work lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, mental health is an even greater priority.

Those with varicose veins face the added burden of chronic pain and swelling in their legs, which can be particularly distressing on their mental health. Unfortunately, many vein clinics are currently closed for elective procedures to treat and permanently eliminate varicose veins. Nevertheless, at-home remedies and other self-care measures can improve your psychological health and reduce the discomfort of varicose veins during this difficult time.

Tips to Improve Your Mental Health — and Varicose Vein Symptoms

Pain, itching, heaviness, and swelling typically accompany varicose veins. And these uncomfortable symptoms make it hard to sleep and enjoy everyday activities. Here’s what to do to maintain your vein health — and a positive outlook — during the coronavirus crisis:

1. Exercise. Although many gyms are closed, you can still find ways to exercise. A daily walk or bike ride is a great way to get the blood pumping in the leg veins. Walking and biking are also low-impact workouts that put less strain on the veins — and can boost your mental state. Just make sure when you venture out to wear a mask and follow social-distancing guidelines.
2. Eat Well. What you eat has a profound effect on your veins. Foods low in fiber and high in sodium increase swelling in your legs. To counteract bloating and inflammation, consume colorful fruits and vegetables packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, eat fiber-rich foods, and drink lots of water. Water keeps your blood volume at a stable level, which in turn promotes unimpeded circulation in the veins.
3. Elevate Your Legs. Varicose veins develop when blood becomes trapped within the vein walls due to weakened valves that can no longer pump blood back to the heart. As the volume of blood grows, the vein pops out from under the surface of the skin. One way to help the blood climb upward to the heart is by elevating your feet above your heart several times a day. This gives the blood the extra push needed to move it in the right direction so it doesn’t stay in the vein.
4. Buy Compression Stockings. Made of tightly woven elastic fabric, compression stockings gently press the veins, thereby forcing the blood to flow toward the chest. Depending upon where you have the most swelling in the legs, you can purchase a pair that fits up to the knee or thigh. Compression stockings are available for purchase on our website. Whether you’re exercising or sitting at your desk as you work from home, compression stockings will alleviate much of the discomfort of varicose veins.

We’re Here to Help

Center for Vein Restoration offices around the country remain open for emergency procedures and telemedicine consultations. If you would like to know more about self-care tips to lessen the discomfort of varicose veins and other venous conditions, please contact our office for an appointment.