Varicose veins can be more than a cosmetic embarrassment, they can be downright painful for some sufferers. Those swollen vessels are usually caused by an underlying vein disorder that affects the flow of blood in the veins, leading to weakening of the veins and varicosity. While varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable any time of year, they are particularly troublesome in the warm weather months for a variety of reasons.
Heating Up Varicose Veins
The warmer temperatures of summer can be most uncomfortable for varicose vein sufferers. Hotter weather causes veins to dilate, which can make uncomfortable symptoms like aching and swelling of the lower legs even worse. Inflammation can also increase during this time, which also exacerbates the discomfort and swelling frequently associated with varicose veins.
At the same time, varicose veins can become more of a cosmetic problem during the summer months. The dilation of the veins means that can become even more visible on the skin’s surface. In addition, skin-baring summer clothing forces those swollen veins out of hiding, making sufferers that much more self-conscious about their appearance.
The Ultimate Cool Down
When the cooler temperatures of fall arrive, varicose veins often get some relief. The swollen vessels may become slightly smaller, which means less discomfort and cosmetic embarrassment. At the same time, long pants allow for those unsightly vessels to be safely hidden under clothing.
While it may be tempting to simply hide those veins away until spring, fall is actually the perfect time to finally do something about them. The cooler weather allows for more comfortable vein treatments, as well as the chance to become completely vein-free by the time warmer temperatures return. With plenty of vein treatments available today, why not pursue the best vein treatment for you before you have to start worrying about revealing those swollen vessels to the world once again?
The Need for Compression
One of the biggest reasons to seek vein treatment during cooler weather is the need for compression. Most insurance companies will not cover any type of vein treatment until compression therapy is used for a prescribed period of time. Patients that undergo more permanent vein treatments may also be required to wear compression stockings for a period of time after treatment to encourage healing to the area and healthy blood flow.
Compression stockings offer firm, gradient pressure that is higher at the foot and slowly loosens as the sock moves up the leg. These stockings may go to the knee or thigh, but one thing is consistent – the socks fit snugly and can be very warm to wear during the summer months. Fall is much more conducive to donning these stockings daily without making your legs completely miserable.
Time to Heal
Fall is also a preferable time of year for other types of vein treatment such as Venefit and ambulatory phlebectomy. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, which means patients don’t have to worry about being out of commission after their procedures. While you don’t need to worry about much recovery time, it can take some time to see the full results of your procedure. By scheduling your treatment now, your legs will be beautifully vein-free by the time spring break rolls around.
Spend some time this fall saying goodbye to your uncomfortable, unattractive varicose veins for good. To learn more, contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas at 704-861-2072 or 704-544-5245.