Why the Massachusetts Winter is the Best Time for Vein Treatment
If there is one benefit to the Bay State’s long winters, it’s that it gives you enough time to heal your varicose veins before summer.
Nearly every state in the U.S. endures the cold and snow of winter. But Massachusetts residents brave frigid temperatures longer than most other parts of the country. Yet, when winter ends, Bay Staters enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful shorelines.
If you have varicose veins, now is the perfect time to prepare for the summer months by treating those uncomfortable veins on your legs and feet. Getting treatment in the winter allows you to fully heal before you don shorts and swimsuits and hit the beach at Cape Cod and Nantucket.
Why Winter is the Best Time to Vein Treatment
Although you may experience an increase of varicose vein symptoms such as swelling and pain in the summer heat, winter can also increase discomfort associated with varicose veins. As temperatures plunge, you tend to be less active, which can slow your circulation and cause blood to back up in the vein, making varicose veins more noticeable and painful. Yet, when it comes to treatment, that’s an advantage — it bmeans your vein specialist can spot troublesome varicose veins more easily in the winter and recommend one of several minimally invasive treatments. Other reasons for treating varicose veins in the winter months include:
It Provides Time to Heal. Current varicose vein therapies such as sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation use small needles, require little to no anesthesia, and leave no scars. The procedures are completed in the vein specialist’s office, and you return to your normal activities soon after the operation is over. That doesn’t mean, however, that there isn’t a healing process. You’ll notice minor bruising and skin discoloration for a few days following the procedure. Fortunately, during winter, you can cover up those bruises with long pants until they completely disappear by summertime.
Wearing Compression Stockings is More Comfortable. During your brief recovery period, your vein specialist will ask you to wear compression stockings. These super-strong elastic stockings boost circulation by gently compressing the veins. As blood flows smoothly, you’ll heal faster. Wearing compression stockings in the summer heat can be uncomfortable and sticky. On the other hand, compression stockings are easily tolerated in cooler temperatures and can even keep you warmer.
Shielded From Harsh Sunlight. Although you can choose any time to treat your varicose veins, summer is probably not the best time to do so because you’ll need to cover up and protect your legs from harsh sunlight. UV rays will only darken the minor residual bruising from the procedure, thereby lengthening your recovery period and making you less likely to show your legs as temperatures rise. That’s not an issue in winter when you’re bundled under layers of clothing that shield you from the sun’s rays.
Following your procedure, your vein specialist will advise you to briefly avoid intense activities such as weightlifting and running that might interfere with healing. Because you’re less active in the winter, that won’t be a problem. Nevertheless, you can get in shape for summer by taking brisk walks as the Massachusetts snow slowly melts and temperatures warm.
Is Now the Time to Treat Your Veins?
Center for Vein Restoration operates one clinic in the Boston area, located in Framingham. Supervised by Dr. Pamela Kim, MD, RPVI, a board certified vascular surgeon, we offer numerous treatment options to eliminate varicose veins and address other vein disorders. Dr. Kim and her entire staff pride themselves in putting their patients’ needs first and providing best in vein health care. Contact us today for a consultation.