Summer Sun and Varicose Veins
Connecticut is officially in the dog days of summer, and while the summer sun may lure you out to the beaches 一or even hiking in the Berkshires 一 the reality is that the mood-boosting, vitamin-D-delivering sun can be quite oppressive in the peak of summer.
Not only can the heat be uncomfortable, but it can even exacerbate the symptoms of your varicose veins.
You might notice that your varicose vein symptoms 一 the achiness, the heaviness, or even the cramping 一worsen during the summer, making it hard to enjoy your time in the great outdoors.
Below, our team of experienced providers at Vein Institute explains how the heat impacts your varicose veins and what you can do to alleviate your symptoms.
How the Summer Heat Makes Varicose Veins Worse
Varicose veins can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which the one-way valves in your veins aren’t working quite right and prevent the proper blood flow from your legs back to your heart. When blood doesn’t flow properly, it pools in your veins, leading to the development of the tell-tale twisted varicose veins. All of the excessive blood pools can lead to swelling in your legs 一 and that’s where intense heat can make things worse.
The intense summer heat can make your already-swollen veins dilate even more. Unfortunately, this dilatory effect exacerbates your symptoms.
The heat doesn’t just affect varicose veins. It can also make spider veins more apparent. Because UV rays break collagen down in your skin, excess exposure to heat from the sun's rays can make spider veins appear more apparent too.
Keeping Your Veins Healthy During the Summer
While you can’t control the weather, you can implement these strategies to stay cool and promote vascular wellness:
Exercise
Don’t let the heat keep you from exercising. Walking is one of the best ways to promote good circulation, and you don’t have to give it up in the summer. You can walk indoors on a treadmill or on an indoor track on very hot days. You can also walk in the cool mornings or in the evening after the air cools off a bit.
Stay cool and protect your skin
Staying cool and protecting your skin from excessive UV exposure is good for your veins and your overall wellness. Stay cool with these tips:
Use air conditioning or fans when possible to maintain a comfortable body temperature
Apply sunscreen to your face and body when venturing outside
Wear clothes made of light, breathable fabric
Stay indoors during peak heat (typically 10am to 2pm) if possible
Stay in the shade if possible
Stay hydrated
In addition to staying cool, you can continue to support your vascular health by staying hydrated. It’s very easy to become dehydrated in the summer, especially if you’re exercising or walking outside. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks or alcohol as those can both dehydrate you. If you struggle to drink enough water, add fresh berries, mint leaves, or lemon slices for a refreshing twist. Many fitness apps feature water trackers so you can log your ounces that way.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods
Summer picnics and barbeques can include many not-so-healthy (but tasty) foods. Although the occasional treat is fine, be sure to continue to eat healthy foods that reduce inflammation and help control blood pressure. Examples of anti-inflammatory foods include tomatoes, olive oil, berries, salmon, nuts, and dark leafy greens.
Continue to manage your current symptoms
In addition to staying cool, drinking plenty of water, and eating nutrient-dense foods, continue to manage your current symptoms with your recommended lifestyle adjustments, which may include:
Wearing compression stockings
Continuing to exercise
Elevating your legs
Taking prescribed medication as directed
Compression stockings may feel hotter in the summer but resist the temptation to skip them. Compression stockings are designed to apply the right amount of pressure to your lower legs, which then maintains the proper blood flow and reduces discomfort and swelling.
Varicose Vein Treatments that Won’t Derail Your Summer Plans
While these strategies will help you manage your symptoms, the symptoms may get unbearable during the summer months. Unfortunately, postponing treatment can just exacerbate your symptoms. The good news is that varicose vein treatments are easier than ever, and they won’t derail your summer plans.
Our team here at Vein Institute offers a variety of non-surgical treatment options to treat varicose veins, seal off problematic veins, and quickly eliminate those pesky symptoms.
Your Vein Institute provider may recommend any of the following based on the severity of your varicose veins:
To learn more about your varicose vein treatment options, call the location nearest to you: Fairfield, Newtown, or Shelton, Connecticut. Or, simply request your appointment online.
“Dr. Afshar is the kindest person you’ll meet and a phenomenal doctor. He cares about you as a patient and a person. The entire staff are friendly and helpful. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate and highly recommend The Vein Institute.” - Nancy Z.