DOES THE WEATHER AFFECT THE VEINS?
Many health problems get better or worse depending on the weather. While this was once considered a myth or tall tale, medical professionals now recognize that issues such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other weather factors absolutely affect the human body in a multitude of ways. People with varicose veins may notice that their health issues, like many issues, appear to change with the seasons.
It is important to remember that spider and varicose veins are caused, in part by excess pressure on a person’s legs. While this can be caused by things such as obesity or standing too long, changes in the weather can also cause varicose or spider veins.
In other words, when it begins to get cold and snowfall occurs, it causes a temporary change in the weather, which actually can affect your body. This change leads to your body feeling heavier, even if it weighs no different than it did before. As a result, the circulation in your body may be slightly less efficient than it otherwise would, leading to the possibility of vein problems.
Varicose veins are usually not symptomatic, but this can change when the weather does In addition, there may be swelling, especially at the ankles, as well as some cramping. If people already have these symptoms, they may notice that the symptoms become worse when the weather is warm or in hot climates.
Many people decide not to wear their compression stockings on hot days, which can certainly explain symptoms getting worse. However, even those who are not prescribed stockings often notice a worsening of symptoms.
How Do the Seasons Affect Varicose Veins?
Warm weather affects the circulatory system of the body in several ways. First, it dilates veins, especially the veins close to the skin surface where varicose veins most often occur. The dilation can make chronic venous insufficiency, and other problems that cause varicose veins to get even worse. This in turn will make the varicose vein become worse and thus have more symptoms.
Second, people sweat when they are hot. This loss of salt can disrupt the body’s fluid balance and make it difficult for veins to pull fluid from tissues. Because veins are the most important way that fluid in cells is recycled to the heart, this leads to fluid build-up in the legs and ankles. This fluid accumulation around varicose veins can make symptoms worse. Also on the opposite with weather going warm to cold being slowed down by the cold is not just referring to the way people tend to hide under blankets and hot beverages during the winter, rather than do much physical activity. Cold weather is also known to slow down body functions in itself, making everything a little slower.
This, like the change in weather pressure, can create a situation of decreased circulation. Of course, it is only made worse by the lack of physical activity. But, the cold weather is something of a catalyst that can lead to the development of vein problems, including spider or varicose veins.
Managing Varicose Veins in All Weather:
There are a variety of ways to manage varicose veins, from exercise to compression stockings to medical therapies such as scleropathy. If varicose veins become uncomfortable or unbearable during warm weather, it is time to seek the care you deserve.
While varicose veins can be an uncomfortable and unattractive issue; there is hope. There are many different treatments that can lessen or even completely get rid of varicose veins. There is no need to suffer in any kind of weather. Schedule an appointment today at the Alpha Vein Clinic at (702) 430 7661. to see if you have a problem with your veins, and how we can help you manage and treat it.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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