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At Virginia Vein Care, we recognize all that comes with planning for vein-related treatment. From deciding on the exact date that works for your schedule to determining the best time of year to get them treated and mapping out your recovery plan, knowing when you should treat your varicose veins is imperative to optimal results.
The bottom line is this: Varicose veins can be treated at any time, as long as you are cleared to do so by your doctor or vein specialist.
If you live with varicose veins, we encourage you to get them treated promptly to avoid long-term complications due to symptoms or other underlying vein conditions.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, tangled veins that most often appear on the legs and thighs. They form when healthy veins become overfilled with blood due to inadequate circulation. They appear on the skin’s surface, giving off a blueish-purple color and a raised, bulging appearance.
Symptoms
Varicose vein symptoms range in severity from mild to moderate for most people.
The most common symptoms include:
- An achy feeling in the legs
- Burning
- Throbbing
- Muscle cramping
- Lower leg swelling
- Worsened pain after sitting or standing
- Itching around one or more veins
- Changes in skin color around the affected vein
Causes
Varicose veins are most common in women aged 50 and older but can affect anyone at any age.
They can appear due to a variety of factors, including:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Standing for long periods of time
- Family history of varicose veins
- Poor circulation
If you are experiencing worsening symptoms of varicose veins or are at increased risk of developing them, we encourage you to consider comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to care for your vein-related issues sooner.
When should I treat my varicose veins?
It is a good rule of thumb to get your varicose veins treated when your symptoms are bothersome to everyday life or continue to worsen over time.
If you notice a change in the number of symptoms you experience or an increase in the general area that the spider veins cover, you should get treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications or other vein-related issues.
Winter may be the most beneficial time to treat your varicose veins.
If possible, we recommend getting your varicose veins treated in the fall or winter months in preparation for summer when you are more likely to wear shorts and have your legs more exposed to the elements and sun. It is not only a confidence booster to have your legs fully healed by summertime but also a way to ensure added protection again increased UV rays to your healing legs.
Another aspect to consider is the requirement to wear compression stockings as part of your varicose vein treatment regimen. Wearing them during warmer months is more uncomfortable than in the cooler temperatures when added layers are embraced.
Wearing compression stockings underneath layers to keep warm is ideal during temperature drops. They also help keep your circulation flowing during months when you may be less active due to decreased physical activity.
How does outdoor temperature affect varicose veins?
When the outdoor temperature drops during the fall and winter months, varicose veins symptoms tend to diminish due to shrinking veins and blood vessels caused by a decrease in atmospheric pressure and degrees. The shrinkage is a benefit for already-enlarged veins on your legs, as it causes the veins to work more efficiently, allowing blood to flow upward with ease.
Varicose veins worsen in warmer weather as heat causes an increase in vein dilation, which results in expanding the size and affected area of your current varicose veins. In the heat, varicose veins bulge from the skin, and symptoms such as pain, heaviness, itching and lower leg swelling worsen due to vein flow restriction.
Although any time of year is safe to get your varicose veins treated, if you can get them cared for during the cooler months, it would be most beneficial to your healing process.
Year-Round Treatment for Varicose Veins
Virginia Vein Care offers various minimally invasive, nonsurgical alternatives to treat varicose veins any time of year.
Whether you’re hoping to complete your treatment before the weather gets too hot or simply want to learn more about effective options for varicose veins, schedule a consultation by visiting a Virginia Vein Care location near you today.