When you suffer with varicose veins, gentle exercise is recommended to get the circulation pumping. However, not all types of exercises are suitable for those suffering with the condition.

One type of exercise which could be good for varicose veins is yoga. Renowned for its physical and mental health benefits, yoga is a gentle yet effective workout. Here, we’ll look at how regular yoga practice can help with varicose veins.

How can yoga help with varicose veins?

Yoga is a slow, mindful practice which helps to reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight and boost circulation. When you have varicose veins, maintaining good circulation is crucial. This prevents the condition from worsening and can even help to prevent varicose veins in the first place in some cases.

The main way that it helps with the condition, however, is that it can ease any swelling you might be experiencing. Pain and discomfort are common symptoms of the condition and yoga can really help to reduce them.

What yoga can’t do however, is eliminate varicose veins or make them heal quicker. It should simply be used as a way to improve the symptoms until you can undergo proper treatment.

Which poses are most beneficial?

There are a number of yoga poses that have proven to be effective at helping to minimise the symptoms of varicose veins.

The mountain pose for example, strengthens the knees, thighs and legs. The boat pose meanwhile, strengthens the core of the body, taking pressure off the legs. You will also find the legs up the wall pose great for boosting circulation in the legs.

Understanding its limitations

While regular light yoga can help to ease the symptoms of varicose veins, it won’t treat the problem. Varicose veins continue to worsen over time. So, if you don’t get them treated, they will simply become more visible and more painful as time goes on.

There is also the risk that varicose veins can develop into a more serious condition. So, if you do already have varicose veins, book a consultation with a vein specialist. They will be able to assess the condition and recommend the best form of treatment to eliminate it.

Varicose veins are largely viewed as a cosmetic-only issue. However, did you know if left untreated, they can potentially be dangerous to your health? Here are 5 hidden dangers of untreated varicose veins.

1. Venous ulcers

Over time, varicose veins can lead to the development of venous ulcers. This is because the condition causes changes within the skin. This ultimately impacts the skin’s ability to heal, even from the most minor injuries.
Swollen tissue restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients. There is also a lot of tension on the tissues, leading to the development of ulcers.

2. Swelling

Swelling is one of the most common side effects of varicose veins. It is this which largely causes other, potentially serious complications. Pressure builds up within the veins and fluid contained within the blood can start to leak out into the tissues. This leads to swelling, and in some cases, you may notice fluid leaking from the skin. If swelling is left untreated, it gradually leads to changes in the skin.

3. Bleeding

Varicose veins typically have a pool of blood that sits right below the surface of the skin. If you accidentally hit or cut the vein, it can lead to a lot more bleeding than usual. Even if the vein isn’t hit or cut, the collected blood can lead to bruising under the skin. If the cut is particularly severe, it can take a long time to stop the bleeding.

4. Skin infections

The swollen veins can stretch the tissues, causing the body to become less effective at fighting off infections. The bacteria typically found on the skin can work their way into the body. This leads to an infection known as Cellulitis. In severe cases, this can lead to blistering of the skin and the symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or chills.

5. Deep Vein Thrombosis

One of the more serious complications from untreated varicose veins is Deep Vein Thrombosis. This is where blood clots develop deeper within the veins. There is a risk the clot could loosen and travel up towards the lungs. If this were to occur, it could have deadly consequences.

These are just a few of the hidden dangers of varicose veins. Although the condition does start off as a mostly cosmetic issue, it can develop into something much more serious. For this reason, it is important to get varicose veins treated as soon as possible.

Get in touch with a vein specialist by phoning 01872 308 520 to find out about the different treatments available.

A new study published within JAMA Surgery, has revealed early treatment for venous leg ulcers results in better outcomes. Approximately 1 in every 300 adults in the UK suffer with venous leg ulcers. They are more prevalent in those with varicose veins and can be quite painful for patients to live with.

Here, we’ll look at what the study found and how treating varicose veins can prevent venous leg ulcers.

Understanding the latest study

The study was carried out by researchers from the Imperial College London, alongside clinicians from the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. It included a total of 450 patients who were treated with early surgical interventions for their venous leg ulcers.

It was revealed that early treatment resulted in faster healing, alongside a reduced risk of recurrence. Now, the researchers are urging the leg ulcer treatment guidelines to be revised. By including early treatment in the guidelines, they estimate it would save the NHS a staggering £100 million each year.

The importance of treating varicose veins

While venous leg ulcers don’t always develop due to varicose veins, they can be a significant risk factor. Therefore, patients are advised to have their varicose veins treated as early as possible. While often seen as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can actually lead to a variety of serious health issues, including venous leg ulcers.

The earlier you seek treatment, the fewer complications can occur. You’ll also find, earlier treatment is less invasive as the condition hasn’t had time to progress.

What treatment options are available?

There are so many different treatment options available to correct varicose veins. Surgery tends to be a last resort, with less invasive treatments preferred. Many of the treatments can even be carried out during your lunch break. So, you may just be surprised by how easy it is to eliminate them.

The treatment you require will depend upon a variety of factors. For example, the severity of the condition, your health and risk factors will all need to be assessed.

Many patients don’t realise how serious varicose veins can be. Venous leg ulcers are just one complication which can arise if they are left untreated. If you suspect you are suffering with varicose veins, call 01872 308 520 to book an appointment with one of our vein specialists today.

Varicose veins are one of the most common, yet surprisingly misunderstood conditions. There are a lot of myths surrounding the condition and how it should be treated. Here, you’ll discover 5 myths about varicose veins you shouldn’t believe.

1. Varicose veins are just cosmetic

This is potentially the most dangerous myth in circulation. Varicose veins have long been considered a cosmetic issue, but they can cause severe health problems too. When left untreated, they worsen over time potentially leading to blood clot development in the legs. They can also be really uncomfortable to deal with.

2. Crossing your legs can cause them

Years ago, patients were advised to not cross their legs because doctors believed the pressure on the calf caused varicose veins to develop. However, experts now know this isn’t a cause, but the myth still remains. So, don’t worry, crossing your legs isn’t going to lead to varicose veins!

3. Surgery is your only treatment option

Surgery did used to be the only treatment option, but these days you’ll find a wide range of varicose vein treatments available. Some are non-invasive and very fast to perform. You have injections, laser treatment and glue inserted into the vein for example. Surgery is used for severe cases only.

4. Massage can eliminate them

As varicose veins are often thought to be caused by poor circulation, massage is often seen as a great way to eliminate them. However, the truth is that most varicose veins aren’t caused by poor circulation. This means attempting to treat them with massage isn’t going to work. In fact, in some cases it could lead to clotting. So, it’s best to seek proper treatment.

5. Pregnancy can cause them

A lot of pregnant women appear to develop varicose veins. However, they aren’t caused by the pregnancy. Those who do experience varicose veins in pregnancy have generally had the problem for some time. However, it only becomes more noticeable during pregnancy, which is what leads to the confusion.

These are just a small handful of the myths surrounding varicose veins you should be aware of. If you do suspect you have them, it is important to book a consultation with an experienced varicose vein specialist. They will be able to advise you of the treatments available to eliminate them.

Your varicose veins may have been troubling you for many years and, once you’ve made the decision to go ahead with treatment, the hope is that they will be permanently removed. However, for some patients, varicose veins can reoccur, and estimates vary as to how many people may be affected.

Causes of recurrent varicose veins

There are several reasons why your varicose veins may come back.

• The wrong veins were treated initially
• The right vein was targeted but the wrong procedure was employed to remove them
• Lifestyle factors can trigger the develop of further varicose veins
• New varicose veins have formed since or other veins that were faulty have worsened and become noticeable over time

1. Treating the wrong vein

Understanding which vein may be faulty – the great saphenous vein (GSV), small saphenous vein (SSV), accessory saphenous vein (AASV), pelvic varicose veins, incompetent perforating veins and other abnormal veins can be responsible for varicose veins – or even a combination of veins that require treatment, is obviously essential

Ultrasound imaging is now much more advanced, and this technology, performed by an experienced vein specialist, will identify which vein require treatment.

2. The wrong varicose vein treatment was used

Veins are connective tissue and the body works to repair any damage normally, so this can be why varicose veins can reoccur even after they are treated.

Choosing an experienced vascular surgeon that can recommend the most appropriate treatment is essential.

3. Lifestyle factors can play a role

Although genetics are identified as the chief factor in developing varicose veins, other lifestyle factors can cause varicose veins to worsen over time. Obesity and pregnancy can both increase your chances of developing varicose veins in the future.

4. New varicose veins form or worsen

Also, many different veins can experience reflux. Unless all problematic veins are treated, new varicose veins may appear in the future. Typically, if patients suffer from varicose veins, there’s usually a genetic cause and so there are often multiple veins that are problematic at the time of treatment and new varicose veins can develop over time. Thorough imaging prior to treatment can identify any other veins that could cause problems in the near future.

However, if you have chronic varicose veins, due to a strong genetic predisposition, ongoing assessment and treatment may be required.

For more advice on recurrent varicose veins, call 01872 308 520 to arrange a consultation at the Cornwall Vein Clinic.