Summer is here, and sweltering heat is expected as usual here in Central Texas. Extreme heat and excessive sun exposure can be hard on our bodies. It is especially hard on those with poor circulation or venous disorders like varicose veins.

At VeinSolutions, we treat varicose veins routinely in our vein clinics in Austin, Georgetown and Kyle.

According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, more than 35% of all adults in the United States suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins are discolored, bulging structures that form under the skin (typically in the legs) when veins are not functioning properly and blood pools within them instead of pumping it back up to the heart.

Common side effects of varicose veins include swelling, chronic aches and pain, cramping, and a feeling of fatigue in the legs.

When it’s hot out, these side effects often worsen.

How does the heat affect varicose veins?

During the summer when temperatures soar, the body’s circulatory system swells leading veins to expand, known as venodilation. The expanded veins have to work much harder to keep blood pumping and flowing throughout the body.

This creates extra pressure on the already taxed and poorly functioning varicose veins, causing exacerbated symptoms…even more swelling, aches and pains.

But don’t despair, there are things you can do to provide cooling comfort for your legs when it heats up outside.

Five Tips for Soothing Varicose Veins in Summer Heat

 Here are some ways that our board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists suggest soothing your legs and varicose vein symptoms in the summer heat:

1. Elevate your legs. Propping your legs up (above your heart) several times a day will help to get blood flowing better in the right direction and reduce pressure and swelling.
2. Hydrate and eat right. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are spending time outdoors, to keep blood pumping efficiently and to cool you off. Also, eating optimal foods to reduce inflammation and swelling such as brightly-colored fruits and vegetables and low-sodium items can help improve circulatory health and soothe varicose vein symptoms.
3. Exercise often. Regular movement will keep your limbs flexible, promote healthy blood flow, and reduce strain on your already overextended circulatory system in the summer. Swimming is a great option that is low impact on your body and cooling at the same time too!
4. Sport compression stockings. Compression stockings help to reduce swelling and soothe/gently massage tired and aching legs. We recommend wearing them while inside to keep from overheating in the sun. It is a good idea as well to wear compression stockings if traveling this summer and sitting for long periods of time on a plane or in a car to promote circulation.
5. Protect varicose veins from sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen and light protective layers of clothing is important for the skin all over your body, but especially so for delicate areas affected by varicose veins. With skin surrounding varicose veins already prone to inflammation and irritation, limiting direct sun exposure and reducing any opportunity for sunburn will go a long way in keeping your legs comfortable in the summer heat.

If your varicose veins symptoms become severe this summer, please contact us to schedule a consultation with our vein experts. We offer many safe and effective methods for varicose and spider vein treatment and removal, such as sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, and minimally invasive vein removal surgery.

Let us help you get your legs looking and feeling their best this summer!

Contact VeinSolutions for Your Consultation Today

Our board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists are skilled in both cosmetic and therapeutic treatments for varicose veins while dedicated to enhancing your overall circulatory health.

To schedule an appointment with a vein specialist in Austin, please contact us here or call 512.452.VEIN (8346), or 512.501.4287 for our clinic in Georgetown, and 512.651.8420 for Kyle.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.