Warning Signs and Diagnosing Varicose Vein Disease

Warning Signs and Diagnosing Varicose Vein Disease

Learn the warning signs and why a proper diagnosis of varicose vein disease is so important.

Do you get cramps in your legs overnight or have restless legs? Are your legs often itchy for no apparent reason? The cause of your discomfort may have been misdiagnosed as neuropathy or another cause when the actual cause is varicose veins.

Some other medical conditions may present many of the same symptoms. A vein specialist has the experience and technology required for an accurate diagnosis.

The only way to accurately diagnose varicose vein disease is with a reflux ultrasound examination by an experienced vein specialist. When it comes to your vein health, a proper diagnosis is essential so that the issue isn’t over-treated or under-treated.

 

A Reassuring Word About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are rarely a serious medical condition. In fact, millions of Americans have varicose veins. The Cleveland Clinic reports that 1 in every 3 adults has varicose veins. For many, they are purely an aesthetic problem. Other times, varicose veins cause annoying symptoms that will relieved by, but don’t require immediate medical attention.

Still, for some, varicose veins can cause chronic venous insufficiency. This is a dangerous medical condition related to blood circulation. The good news is a vein specialist can correctly diagnose and treat it.

 

More About Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is not an uncommon problem for people who have varicose veins. Cleveland Clinic also reports that 1 in every 50 adults with varicose veins eventually develops chronic venous insufficiency.

Damaged veins cause chronic vein insufficiency. Leg veins keep blood flowing back to your heart. But when chronic venous insufficiency occurs, blood flows improperly or not at all.

Learn the warning signs and seek a vein specialist for a proper diagnosis of  varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

 

Blood flow in normal leg veins vs blood flow in varicose veins

 

With chronic venous insufficiency, veins can no longer open and close to properly regulate blood flow; blood pools in the veins instead of flowing toward the heart. Blood may even flow backwards.

The pooling blood creates extra pressure on the vein. The result can be uncomfortable swelling, ulcers, insufficient blood flow, and possible life-threatening blood clots.

This condition is most common in people over the age 50, with increasing risk as you further age.

Read more about chronic vein insufficiency.

 

Medical Conditions That Can Mimic Varicose Veins

There are other medical conditions that present many of the same symptoms of varicose veins.

They include:

  • Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons)
  • Injuries to ligaments
  • Osteoarthritis (a common form of arthritis)
  • Sciatica (caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve)
  • Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
  • Peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves—often in the feet)
  • Arterial insufficiency (a slowing of blood in arteries)

If you have any of these conditions, it’s critical that you receive a proper diagnosis to ensure that you get the medical attention that you need.

 

When to Speak to a Doctor

 

An older woman in a chair rubbing her painful leg.

 

While varicose veins aren’t usually cause for concern, speak to a doctor if:

  • The veins are painful or make you feel uncomfortable
  • Leg and vein pain is interfering with your sleep
  • The skin near the veins is irritated or annoying

Learn more about when to see a doctor for leg pain.

 

Get an Accurate Diagnosis with a Reflux Ultrasound Examination

To properly diagnose your varicose vein condition, and even determine if you have varicose veins, it’s best to consult a vein specialist.

First, there will be a physical examination of your legs, looking for swelling or other developments. The doctor will ask questions about your leg pain experience.

 

A close-up of legs with varicose veins that require treatment.

 

Afterwards you should have a reflux venous ultrasound examination. It is important that a qualified physician and ultrasound technologist perform this exam.

With this imaging technology, the doctor can definitively determine if the veins in the legs are functioning properly. It will also identify where some veins may be having problems or need treatment.

This test is completely non-invasive and painless.

See what our vein specialist, Dr. Stuart Miller, has to say about the importance of an accurate reflux ultrasound examination.

 

 

At NJVVC, our vein doctor, Dr. Stuart Miller, specializes in properly performing and analyzing the results of a reflux ultrasound examination. It is imperative to administer and analyze this test properly to ensure accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. False negatives or false positives in this exam will lead to a vein condition being over-treated or under-treated—and can even lead to a wrong diagnosis altogether.

 

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Leg Aches

Legs ache at the end of the day or after long periods of standing and/or sitting.

 

Physical Appearance of Veins

You see twisted rope-like bulges under the skin. They can look blueish or red. Sometimes you can’t see veins that are far below the skin’s surface.

 

Leg and/or Foot Swelling or Heaviness

Legs feel unusually heavy and make running or even walking uncomfortable or painful.

You often see swelling of feet and ankles.

 

Burning, Throbbing, Aching

Itching

You feel an itching sensation around the veins, or on your legs before veins are even visible.

 

Restless Legs or Leg Cramps at Night

Red Spots on Lower Legs/Shiny Legs

Red spots can be a sign of a burst vein.

 

Hyperpigmentation Around Ankles

Commonly seen with long-existing varicose veins.

 

Avoid These Complications of Varicose Veins with Proper Diagnosis

Blood Clots

Blood clots in veins can lead to serious swelling of the vein (thrombophlebitis) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

 

Bleeding

A varicose vein near the surface of the skin may bleed if you bump your leg. This bleeding can be difficult to stop. Elevate your leg and apply pressure; get immediate medical care if you cannot stop the bleeding.

 

Ulcers

A leg ulcer or wound will need to be cleaned regularly and bandaged properly.

 

Contact us at the New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center (NJVVC) for non-invasive vascular imaging studies, second opinions of imaging studies, and minimally invasive endovascular services.

Poor Circulation in the Legs and Feet

Poor Circulation in the Legs and Feet

Poor circulation can affect many areas of your body, including your legs, feet, and toes.

There are many reasons for poor blood circulation in the legs and feet, and usually several things you can do to improve your circulation.

It’s important to see a medical specialist for diagnosis, and then follow the prescribed treatment for your specific condition. There are different diagnostic tests doctors can perform to get an accurate diagnosis. But sometimes a doctor still can’t pinpoint the cause—even after tests are done.

 

Symptoms of Poor Circulation in the Legs and Feet

Some symptoms of poor circulation in the legs and feet are:

  • Numbness
  • Throbbing, tingling, or pain in limbs
  • Cold feet
  • Muscle cramps
  • Discolored feet that sometimes turn blue, white, purple, or red

 

A heel has dry, cracked skin

 

  • Dry or cracked skin on feet or legs
  • Hair loss on legs or feet
  • Slow wound healing on feet

When a person has poor circulation, cells don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients delivered, and waste remains in cells. Cells function poorly; blood vessels narrow, harden, or even close.

People with poor circulation are commonly:

  • Over 40-years-old
  • Overweight
  • Diabetic
  • Smokers
  • Living a sedentary lifestyle and don’t exercise

 

Some Causes of Poor Circulation

 

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that results in too much glucose (sugar) in your blood. Doctors can easily diagnose diabetes by performing blood tests.

Plaque accumulates in the blood vessels when high blood sugar continues for extended periods of time. Poor blood circulation affects the legs and feet and other parts of the body.

Without treatment, this could lead to serious health problems, including foot ulcers—which can result in amputation if they can’t heal properly.

People with diabetes need to have their feet checked regularly to make sure they’re not developing signs of poor circulation or neuropathy.

 

Smoking

 

A woman has a hand up as she refuses a cigarette

 

Cigarette smoke causes damage to your arteries. Plaque accumulates over time and causes circulation problems.

It’s simple. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start!

 

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, unattractive veins that appear twisted or gnarled.

These unsightly veins develop when damaged blood vessels cause extra pressure to be put on the veins. Then the newly formed varicose veins further contribute to poor circulation by allowing blood to flow backwards, instead of up toward the heart. Read more here about chronic vein insufficiency.

Leg symptoms of varicose veins include:

  • Aching or heaviness
  • Itchiness
  • A burning sensation

 

A woman show’s her leg that has a vein condition

 

Some common risk factors for varicose veins include:

  • Being female
  • Obesity
  • Older age
  • Standing for lengthy periods of time every day
  • Smoking
  • Genetic predisposition

A vein specialist uses out-patient procedures to treat varicose veins. Changing your lifestyle, such as losing weight and wearing compression socks will help as well. However, damaged veins need medical correction.

Here’s how exercising will help keep your veins healthy.

 

Atherosclerosis and Peripheral Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis is a condition of dangerous plaque build-up that often affects arteries of the legs and arms, as well as the heart and brain.

 

An infographic showing peripheral artery disease (PAD)

 

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when plaque damages the blood vessels that bring blood to the legs and feet.

PAD is the most common cause of poor circulation in the legs.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to the development of PAD. When a person has PAD, they are also most likely at risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

One test used to diagnosis PAD is the ankle-brachial index. During this test, your doctor compares the blood pressure in your arm to the blood pressure in your ankle.

Here are things you can do to stop PAD from progressing:

  • Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
  • Exercise
  • Don’t smoke
  • Eat a healthy diet

 

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

When you have high blood pressure, blood is pushing against your blood vessels with unusually powerful force. This can weaken your blood vessels and ultimately interfere with good blood circulation.

When a person has high cholesterol, cholesterol inevitably deposits on artery walls.

 

Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease affects blood circulation when a person is cold or stressed. It usually affects blood flowing to toes and fingers, although it can affect other areas of the body.

Symptoms include:

  • Toes or fingers turning white
  • Extremely cold extremities
  • Burning, tingling, pain, or numbness

These symptoms can last for as little as one minute or continue for several hours.

Medication and lifestyle changes are used to treat Raynaud’s disease.

Risk factors for Raynaud’s disease include:

  • Having a job that causes vibrations to the body
  • Being over sixty and have another vascular disease
  • Taking cyclosporine or some beta-blockers
  • Having fibromyalgia or a history of hepatitis B or C

 

What You Can Do to Improve Blood Circulation in Your Legs

  • Follow medical treatments for underlying conditions
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise
  • Avoid sitting for lengthy periods of time—take frequent breaks
  • Do leg stretches
  • Don’t smoke
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Massage feet
  • Keep feet warm when outside in cold weather
  • Avoid stress – practice relaxation techniques
  • Wear compression socks
  • Eat a healthy diet

 

When to Contact a Doctor Immediately or call 911

 

An infographic displaying danger of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). 

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can be a life-threatening event. It’s caused when a blood clot in the leg interferes with circulation. There is always a chance that the clot will travel and cut off blood flow to the lungs.

DVT often occurs if you do not move for a long time—such as you are recuperating from an operation in bed or sitting in a plane or car for a long time. Read about traveler’s thrombosis.

Signs of DVT include:

  • Sudden pain (that begins in the calf) or swelling in the leg
  • Skin feels warmer than usual to the touch
  • Discolored skin
  • There’s numbness or “pins and needles” in your leg

If the clot has broken away, you may feel chest pain, sweat, and have difficulty breathing. More about when to see a doctor.

If you are concerned about your leg circulation or have varicose veins, contact us at NJVVC for diagnosis and treatment.

Traveler’s Thrombosis – Red Blotches on Ankles or Calves

Traveler’s Thrombosis – Red Blotches on Ankles or Calves

Traveler’s thrombosis, also known as economy class syndrome or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a medical condition that can occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, after prolonged periods of sitting, such as during air travel or car rides.

Spring and summer often bring travel adventures. Many of us will go to our local airport, check in, go through the standard security measures, and board an airplane for an exciting new destination.

If you have ever travelled for prolonged periods of time, you may have experienced red blotches on your ankles of calves. You’re not alone. This is commonly referred to as Traveler’s thrombosis.

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT, refers to a condition where blood clots form in the leg veins. This may occur in any situation where there is prolonged pooling of blood in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis.

 

How blood clots form in the legs

 

This common for bed-bound persons and those who sit for long periods of time in chairs, cars, trains, or airplanes.

If a clot, or portion of a blood clot becomes detached from the vein, this process is called venous thromboembolism or VTE.

In very few cases a clot, or portion of the blood clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, or PE.

This can present as a serious condition, as it is possible for a large embolism to travel in the bloodstream and block a major artery or blood vessel in your lung and can result in death.

Pulmonary embolisms are rare in airline travelers, occurring only in 0.4 million airline passengers. For those passengers experiencing PE, it is fatal about 2% of the time.

Personal risk factors can play a role in the incidence of VTE. Other conditions, like duration of flight and a person’s degree of immobility during the flight, can increase the risk.

 

woman traveling on airplane

 

Risk factors and symptoms of Traveler’s Thrombosis

The risk of developing traveler’s thrombosis increases when you have additional risk factors such as obesity, pregnancy, smoking, taking birth control pills, or having a history of blood clots.

Symptoms of traveler’s thrombosis can include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. In some cases, the clot may break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism.

To reduce the risk of traveler’s thrombosis, it is recommended to take frequent breaks and walk around during long flights, wear compression stockings or socks, and stay hydrated.

 

Compression socks on a woman’s legs

 

It’s also important to talk to a healthcare provider before traveling if there are additional risk factors present.

If you have red blotches on your ankles and legs after air travel, it is recommended that you seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Leg and foot swelling during air travel

Leg and foot swelling during air travel is a common problem and is often caused by a combination of factors related to sitting for extended periods of time and the low cabin pressure in airplanes.

 

Airplane in the clouds

 

During air travel, the lower cabin pressure can cause fluid to shift from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Additionally, sitting in a cramped position for a prolonged period can cause blood to pool in the legs, further exacerbating the swelling.

Other factors that can contribute to leg and foot swelling during air travel include dehydration, wearing tight-fitting clothing, and not moving around enough during the flight.

People who have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease may also be more prone to swelling during air travel.

To prevent or reduce leg and foot swelling during air travel, it is recommended to:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Walk around and stretch your legs frequently during the flight
  • Wear compression stockings or socks, which can help improve blood flow

Consider taking a low-dose aspirin before the flight, especially if you have a higher risk of blood clots.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, talk to your doctor before flying and ask for specific advice on how to manage swelling during air travel.

Will Medicare Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

Will Medicare Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

Varicose veins are the larger, often bulging and twisting veins you often see on legs. They can be very painful or simply annoying.

If you’re wondering, will Medicare cover your varicose vein treatment, this blog post contains information you need to know.

 

An older man sitting on a sofa holding one of his legs which have obvious varicose veins

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart from the feet.

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins become damaged. When this occurs, blood no longer flows effortlessly through the veins. Instead, blood moves in two directions and may even pool in the veins.

This causes the veins to become stressed—they become larger and chronic venous insufficiency develops. The resulting varicose veins cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and itching.

Varicose veins are more often found in women. But it’s not at all unusual for men to have varicose veins too.

If you are over 65 and on Medicare, you’re most likely covered for varicose vein treatment. This treatment will restore your veins to good health and put a stop to the annoying symptoms you endure daily.

Following is some information about Medicare that answers the question, “Will Medicare cover varicose vein treatment?”

 

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

Medicare is a very helpful, but initially confusing, insurance program.

Here are some basic helpful facts.

Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program for:

  • People over 65
  • People under 65 with specific disabilities
  • People with permanent kidney failure that needs specific types of care

 

When Should You Sign Up for Medicare?

It’s advised that you sign up for Medicare 3 months before you are 65. This gives ample time to be included in the system.

A Medicare card with “Open Enrollment” stamped on it

If you were already eligible for Medicare but didn’t sign up, you can sign up during Medicare’s General Enrollment Period. This enrollment period lasts from January 1 to March 31 of each year. It’s starting soon!

There are also Special Enrollment Periods covering other specific situations.

 

The Different Parts of Medicare Explained

A card with Medicare information

Part A covers inpatient hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home health care, and more. They automatically enroll you in it if you are already receiving Social Security.

Part B covers doctors’ visits and services, outpatient care, many preventive services, and other services not covered by Part A. You must pay a premium with Part B, so you have the option of turning it down. You are not automatically enrolled. You must request it.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans allow private health insurance companies to cover the services that are usually covered under Medicare Part A and Part B. The coverage terms differ from regular Part A and Part B Medicare. Plan coverage will differ from plan to plan—and will not necessarily conform with Part A and Part B coverage terms. Learn about these plans to see if they work for you. If they do, contact the specific insurance company for enrollment.

Part D plans cover both brand-name prescription drugs and generic drugs. Plans will vary, and you should check out which plans offer the best payment for medicines you are already taking and may need in the future. Enroll by contacting the specific insurance company.

 

How to Sign Up for Medicare

If you haven’t already, create a Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Afterwards, you can sign up for Medicare online.

Or you can apply for Medicare at Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.

For more information about your current Medicare vein treatment coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

 

A pink piggy bank with eyeglasses sitting next to a miniature blackboard with question marks written on it

Will Medicare Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

Medicare will cover varicose vein treatment if is determined that it’s a medical necessity. This usually goes for Medicare Part C Advantage Plans as well—but individual plans will vary.

So, what makes up a medical necessity with varicose veins?

A “medical necessity” is determined by a vein doctor.

Varicose vein problems will probably be called a “medical necessity” if:

  • Vein related symptoms hurt your quality of life
  • You experience common varicose vein symptoms such as pain, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, burning and/or cramping
  • Ultrasound, or other imaging, diagnosed venous reflux
  • There is bleeding from the veins
  • You have related blood clots
  • There is phlebitis in the veins
  • You suffer with ulcers from veins

 

An older man wearing shorts and compression socks sitting on rocks outdoors

 

In most of these cases, patients must try conservative treatment for 6-12 weeks without good results. These treatments can include:

  • Leg elevation
  • Exercise
  • Weight loss
  • Ice/heat packs
  • Compression stockings

Venous reflux also causes Spider veins, so they are often considered a medical necessity as well.

 

Which Vein Treatments Does Medicare Cover?

When deemed a medical necessity by your doctor, Medicare Part B will cover a range of varicose vein treatments at 80%. Usually your Medigap plan (additional insurance by a private company) will cover the rest.

Medicare Advantage plans need to be consulted separately.

Medicare covered vein treatments include:

  • Sclerotherapy for varicose veins
  • Micro sclerotherapy
  • Endovenous ablation therapy
  • Endoscopic vein surgery
  • Laser vein surgery

Varithena is an injectable microfoam used with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for varicose vein treatments. Most patients find this varicose vein treatment nearly painless! Medicare usually covers vein treatment with Varithena when treatment is a medical necessity.

At New Jersey Varicose Vein Center (NJVVC), we offer state-of-the-art treatment for varicose veins, including treatment with Varithena.

If you want more information on insurance and varicose veins, you’ll find “Does Health Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?” helpful.

 

Visit Us at NJVVC for Your Vein Diagnosis

It’s easy to find out if Medicare considers your varicose vein treatment to be a “medical necessity.”

Simply visit us at the NJVVC and have an onsite evaluation and diagnosis performed solely by our doctor, Stuart Miller, MD.

Dr. Miller is an experienced and well-respected endovascular surgeon.

He trained in Internal Medicine at Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Later, he completed a second residency in Radiology at Dartmouth. Afterwards he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology.

Dr. Miller has been practicing in New Jersey for over 20 years, and now sees patients in Morris and Sussex counties.

Schedule your varicose vein consultation today at New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center to see if Medicare will cover your vein treatment. There’s no need to continue to suffer with varicose veins.

Diet and Varicose Veins – What’s the Connection?

Diet and Varicose Veins – What’s the Connection?

There’s an old saying, “You are what you eat.” This is particularly true for vein health. If you have been wondering about diet and varicose veins, you’ll be interested to learn what’s the connection.

While a great diet can’t remove varicose veins, it can lessen symptoms and support better vein health in the future. It can even slow the development of varicose veins.

 

Diet Affects Varicose Vein Health

It may not surprise you to learn there’s a connection between diet and varicose vein health. But did you know, this connection is quite strong?

The healthier your diet choices are, the healthier your veins will be.

And, adjusting your diet for greater vein health will also have a positive effect on your heart health, blood pressure, and more!

A healthful vein-supporting diet will:

  • Improve blood circulation
  • Support blood vessels
  • Keep vein pressure to a healthy minimum

If you already have varicose veins, a good diet can lessen the severity of symptoms and possibly keep more varicose veins from developing.

 

How to Adjust Your Diet for Varicose Vein Health

 

A woman’s hand holding a saltshaker

 

What to Avoid

You should avoid foods that are highly processed and contain lots of salt.

Salty foods and many highly processed foods cause the body to increase its volume of fluids. This places more pressure on varicose veins and impedes blood circulation.

Not getting enough fiber in your diet, causes constipation in your digestive system—a common contributor to the development of varicose veins.

Show your veins you love them by avoiding:

  • Sugar—contributes to weight gain
  • Processed meats—causes water retention
  • Salt—adds pressure to veins
  • Dairy—can cause constipation
  • Fried foods—clogs arteries and reduces blood flow

Here’s how drinking alcohol affects vein health.

 

What to Include in Your Diet

One key to having healthy veins is to make sure your diet supports good blood circulation.

Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and nutrients goes a long way to support vein health.

In dealing with diet and varicose veins, the good news is that vein-friendly foods are common and easy to find in your local grocery store.

 

Fruits and Vegetables

Most fruits and vegetables are great for your body and support good vein health.

Many fruits are chock full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They also contain many nutrients that support vein health as well and keep blood vessels from leaking.

 

A pile of fresh oranges with some cut in half

 

Citrus fruits, including oranges and lemons, are bursting with vitamin C and help reduce swelling in varicose veins. Reduced swelling means much less pain in your legs after a long day of standing or sitting in one place.

Fruits also are high in fiber and reduce constipation.

Some fruits and vegetables to include in your diet for improved vein health are:

  • Avocados
  • Beets
  • Grapes
  • Kale
  • Berries
  • Black Olives
  • Ginger

 

Colorful beetroots on a white background

 

Fiber

Foods with fiber help prevent constipation. Constipation promotes varicose vein development since it increases pressure on veins.

Fiber-rich foods also help keep cholesterol levels low and blood pressure at a healthy level.

 

Onions

Chopping onions may make your eyes tear, but they contain many nutrients that will make your body happy.

Onions contain Vitamin B6, zinc, fiber, and many nutrients that help your blood circulation.

Enjoy them in green salads and other healthful dishes.

Copper

Copper is an essential nutrient that promotes circulation and supports the body’s immune system.

If you don’t get enough copper, veins become less elastic. This makes the veins more likely to swell and gradually weaken.

There are many significant dietary sources of copper, including:

  • Beef liver
  • Almonds
  • Asparagus

 

Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are anti-inflammatories that do great things for your body and veins. They help treat osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Along with vein health, they also support blood circulation and heart health.

They will not only reduce vein swelling but help to strengthen vein walls.

Rutin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid that protects blood vessels and has anti-inflammatory properties to protect against blood clots.

It’s found in apples and asparagus and many other fruits and vegetables.

Some additional sources of bioflavonoids include:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Grapes
  • Kidney beans

 

A bowl of cooked kidney beans with parsley and chopped scallions on top

 

Here’s more information on top foods for improved circulation and vein health.

You may also be interested in these additional diet tips for keeping veins healthy.

 

Additional Steps to Take for Vein Health

 

Drink Plenty of Water

Good hydration will help keep your circulatory system runny smoothly. It helps keep blood volume constant, flushes out waste from the system, and makes varicose veins feel better.

Water and fiber together work to keep bloating to a minimum and prevent constipation.

 

Physical Activity

A good tip for improved circulatory health and healthy veins is to have daily physical activity. This keeps the blood in your veins moving and helps keep veins healthy.

Of course, you never want to overdo it. Your doctor can recommend a good exercise program for you. Even walking every day will provide great benefits for your veins.

 

Do You Have Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are those thick raised veins that people often see on their legs and feet. They can cause many physical symptoms, including pain, itchiness, and swelling.

Read more about varicose veins here.

If you have varicose veins, a screening can tell you how these veins are affecting your overall health. You can also learn about pain-free, proven treatments to eliminate your varicose veins.

Contact us at NJVVC for a free varicose vein screening.

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