exercising varicose veins Archives - The New Jersey Vein & Vascular Center

12 Simple Ways to Improve Circulation

Jan 18, 2018 | Diet & Exercise, General Health, Vein Health

Your circulatory system is your body’s method of distributing both nutrients and oxygen. It also functions to clean your body, whisking away carbon dioxide and waste products from all areas. It is very important to keep your blood circulating well so that your body gets all the support it needs to survive. Which is why we have compiled a list of the simplest ways to improve circulation and stay healthy.

The symptoms of poor circulation can vary. Some people experience slight tingling in their extremities, while others might develop varicose veins in their legs. Whatever the symptoms, inadequate blood flow is a major risk factor for issues like heart attacks, strokes, and even amputation of limbs.

Proper circulation is vital for one’s health, and can also prevent varicose veins. If you’re worried about your circulation or experience pain or coldness in certain areas, you should contact your doctor immediately, as this may be indicative of poor blood flow. With these tips in mind, it is easier than ever to prevent and improve poor circulation to keep yourself healthy.

Take a Walk

Poor circulation can be a problem for those who stand for extended periods of time at work. In this position, the blood simply is not recirculating adequately in the body, and it can result in extreme pain in the legs and feet. According to this study, the simple act of walking every day can dramatically increase the circulation throughout your body.

If you find yourself standing for too long, or remaining sedentary for any reason, find a friend, go for a walk, and get that blood moving. A simple exercise like walking is enough to stretch your muscles and restore blood flow.

Stop Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking cigarettes leads to a host of health problems. Not least among them is the fact that cigarettes are extremely damaging to cardiovascular health. Smoking causes swelling of the wrists and ankles. It damages your cells on a molecular level and can increase the risk of blood clots.

Cigarettes kill 140,000 people in America because of their impact on cardiovascular health. Quitting cigarettes is one of the best things you can do to ensure your vital organs receive an increased amount of oxygenated blood.

Try Swedish Massage

A therapeutic Swedish massage, available at most spas, is a luxurious getaway for your body and mind. Though relaxation is tied to healthier blood flow, massage therapy has been shown to increase local blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Trained massage therapists know how to increase your circulation through specialty strokes throughout the session.

Do Some Yoga to Improve Circulation

Regular, gentle yoga is another pleasant alternative therapy for improving circulation. Studies have shown that certain yoga poses have proven beneficial for cardiovascular health, and offer a myriad of other health benefits as well.

The best part about yoga is that simple exercises and stretches can be safely done in the comfort of your own home, without expensive equipment or gym fees.

Put Those Feet Up

Aside from the fact that you deserve a break at the end of a long, exhausting day, there are legitimate health reasons to put your feet up daily. Gravity can cause fluids to build up in your lower limbs if you’re on your feet all day. Laying down with your feet elevated about six inches above your torso is a great way to reduce swelling.

Elevating your feet lets gravity help your blood flow establish a more natural rhythm, especially if you’ve spent a great portion of your day on your feet.

Decrease Stress

When you’re stressed out, your body produces higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which is linked to cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure. Studies have shown that stress significantly decreases the amount of oxygenated blood flow to the heart.

If you’re experiencing elevated levels of stress, it’s likely impacting your circulation. Try to focus on mediating that stress in your life. Whether you de-stress through hobby time, meditation, phone calls with friends, listening to music, or journaling, make sure you prioritize your peace of mind.

Losing Weight Will Improve Circulation

Like quitting smoking, losing weight takes a little more of a lifestyle change to implement. Weight gain restricts blood flow due to endothelial dysfunction, blocking circulation to the limbs. It’s been shown that having excess fat, especially belly fat, can make it more difficult for your abdominal arteries to expand. This means less blood flow throughout the rest of your body.

Losing weight can help take pressure off those arteries, and lead to better circulation.

Wear Compression Stockings or Socks

Compression stockings are long, tight socks that hug your lower legs and improve blood circulation. They counteract the tendency of blood to pool in the lower legs. Compression socks squeeze your vein walls in such a way that the blood returns to the heart from the legs more easily. They help mimic the muscle movement created by walking even when you’re sitting still. This discourages stiffness and swelling, and is very useful for people who work long hours sitting at a desk.

Compression socks can be purchased in a variety of styles, fabrics, colors, and levels of compression. Some are designed for dress, casual, and sports, in open and closed toe. There are four main levels of compression from 8-15 mmHg to 30-40 mmHg. The lower the number, the milder the compression. People in many professions wear compression socks daily to improve circulation, and prevent leg fatigue and swelling.

Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Pomegranates and blueberries are great sources of antioxidants, which are thought to increase blood flow by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage your cells. Some other super foods to include in your diet to increase circulation are grapes, nuts, dark green veggies, sweet potatoes, beans and fish.

Wear the Right Clothes

Tight clothing prevents blood flow by placing pressure on the skin. Loose clothing allows blood to flow freely without restriction. Shoes that are too tight or at an odd angle (like high heels) force your feet into uncomfortable positions, causing swelling in the feet and ankles which restricts blood flow.

Choose clothes and shoes that are comfortable if you know you will be on your feet for long periods of time. Save those more form fitting clothes and high heels for date night or special occasions.

Don’t Cross Your Legs

Crossing your legs while sitting can restrict blood flow. Sitting with both feet flat on the ground helps prevent this. If you typically cross your legs, this can be a difficult habit to break, but it is highly recommended that you give it a try.

Crossing your legs not only hinders circulation but it can also lead to poor posture, back pain and leg stiffness.

Drink Water

Your body needs water to move nutrients and waste throughout the blood. It helps keep both your blood and skin cells hydrated so they can repair themselves efficiently. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems.

Keep water on hand and drink it regularly throughout the day. Drinking water will improve circulation, brain function and heart problems.

Poor circulation is a serious health threat that afflicts many Americans, but there are plenty of interventions to consider. If you have been giving extra thought to improving your circulation, the professionals at New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center can help answer questions about vascular health, blood flow, and varicose veins.

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Varicose Vein Treatment

Dec 19, 2017 | News

Varicose vein treatment is on the rise across the United States. New research indicates that this growth is likely to continue at a rate of 6.9% by the year 2021. If you are one of the millions of people who are planning to seek vein treatment, you might be wondering when you should schedule your treatment.

Below are five reasons why winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment.

1) Compression Stockings are Easier to Tolerate in the Winter

Compression stockings play an instrumental role in optimizing vein care treatment. However, some people find them a bit hot and confining – especially in warmer weather.

By scheduling your treatment in the winter, these sensations are not as pronounced because the weather is cooler.

Wearing pants over compression stockings will be much more tolerable in cooler weather than in the summer months.

2) Your Legs Will Have Time to Respond to Treatment Before Spring and Summer

People who receive vein treatments sometimes do not notice positive results for weeks or months.

If you want to show off your treated legs during spring or summer, winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment. This will allow plenty of time for healing.

3) Your Treated Legs Will Likely be Hidden from View

In the days following sclerotherapy, your legs may show signs of bruising and discoloration. Additionally, you will likely be asked to wear compression stockings after treatment.

If treatment is completed during the winter months, people will not even notice that you have undergone a procedure to eliminate spider and varicose veins.

4) Patients are Less likely to Engage in Strenuous Activity

Rigorous exercise and weight lifting are both discouraged in the weeks following sclerotherapy or other vein care procedures. This can prove to be difficult for some people who are accustomed to regularly exerting themselves.

Because most people tend to exercise less in the winter months, it is a bit easier to adjust their exercise routines.

If you love the summer sun and swimming, take note that avoiding sun exposure and public swimming pools for a time after vein treatment is recommended.

5) Varicose Veins are Often at Their Worst During the Winter

A more sedentary lifestyle during the winter months can exacerbate varicose veins and highlight the need for treatment.

Lack of exercise can cause more pooling of blood in the legs.

It’s common for people to put a little weight on in the winter which doesn’t help either.

Failure to seek treatment for your varicose and spider veins can cause pain and other symptoms to worsen.

Winter really is the best time for varicose vein treatment. But if you are suffering and don’t want your condition to get worse, you should seek treatment right away regardless of the time of year.

Winter is the perfect time to visit The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center to change the look and feel of your legs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you escape the escalated discomfort of varicose veins during the winter and become more confident in the look of your legs for Spring 2018.

Travel and Vascular Health: Exercises and Tips for Vein Care While On-The-Go

Nov 17, 2017 | News

The holidays are fast approaching and for many of us that means cold temperatures and traveling to visit with family and loved ones while spending hours in confined spaces to get there. If you have ever gone on a plane or long car ride and taken your shoes off and found it difficult to put them back on upon arrival, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Being crammed into a tight plane seat for several hours can do more than just cramp your style. Hours of immobility can be extremely dangerous to vascular health.

Economy class syndrome, otherwise called DVT or deep vein thrombosis, is a blood clot that can develop in the legs, especially on flights longer than 8-10 hours.

The best way to prevent DVTs is to stay mobile and active during your journey. Here are some tips for vein care and exercises you can do to maintain vascular health while traveling.

Take a stroll.

The key to vascular health is staying active. One of the easiest ways to keep the blood flowing is by walking.

A quick stroll around the plane every hour or so, especially on flights longer than 4 hours, will go a long way in keeping your leg veins healthy.

If you are stuck in a cramped hotel room, walk around the building or make use of the hotel gym and pool.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

The more comfortable you are, the better. Loose-fitting clothing will less likely
impede blood flow in the legs and make it easier to get around and move.

Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol.

Dehydration can slow circulation, contributing to the occurrence of blood clots. Alcohol can be a contributing factor to dehydration, as well as making you
feel sluggish.

Skip that in-flight beer and fill up on water to keep hydrated and motivated to move while traveling.

Do some sitting exercises.

If you find that you cannot get up often enough, there are some exercises you can do while sitting in your plane seat.

While pointing your foot towards the ceiling, squeeze your toes and hold for 3 seconds. You can repeat this exercise 10 times with both feet every half hour.

While in your seat, stretch your feet up and down, rolling your ankles.

These small exercises can be enough to keep your blood flowing.

Wear compression stockings.

If you are at risk for vein issues, compression stockings can aid in preventing DVTs while traveling.

Compression stockings prevent leg swelling and allowing blood to flow properly throughout your feet and legs.

The last thing anyone wants is to end up ill after traveling to be with loved ones for the holidays, so keep these exercises and tips for vein care in mind. For more information about vascular health, contact NJVVC today!

Advantages of Outpatient Care for Venous Disease

Oct 31, 2017 | News

Seeking healthcare treatment at one of New Jersey’s top-level outpatient centers can have several different perks, including the treatment of a wide variety of venous conditions you may have. Complex illnesses and conditions can be treated on site with a family-like health care program that will provide you with many other quality opportunities including the following:

Avoiding the Hospital

The opportunity to get the treatment done without requiring you to go to the hospital, where stays and wait times can oftentimes be much lengthier, is always a major positive.

Not having to go to a hospital to complete a procedure will keep you away from being exposed to unnecessary germs, the possibility of sharing a room and allows you to recuperate in the comfort of your own home.

No Anesthesia

The procedures that are done in an outpatient environment can treat a wide variety of different symptoms, however, none of the procedures require anesthesia which means a quicker recovery time for patients.

No anesthesia also means that you will be able to witness your procedure and be informed immediately about the outcome and aftercare responsibilities.

Quick Recovery & Return to Daily Activities

Procedures that are done at an outpatient care center generally don’t require long recoveries or much downtime from daily activities.

Typically, you can return to your normal routine the very next day which alleviates any stress associated with being out of work, fulfilling household responsibilities or feeling ‘stuck’ in bed.

State-of-the-Art Treatment Plans

Many outpatient medical facilities are where the newest and best technologies are being used. To find quick, precise and non-invasive care look for medical practices that offer “family-like” care and a deep regard for every patient. Finding a facility that focuses on the concerns of each patient and has an open line of communication between patient and staff will allow you and your physician to create a treatment plan that is based upon your specific needs.

The ultimate goal of any treatment should always be better health, freedom from pain and as little interruption to your daily activities as possible. For more information about our outpatient procedures, doctor, and staff, contact us today!

Varicose & Spider Veins: Does My Insurance Cover It?

Oct 25, 2017 | News

Do you have insurance concerns regarding varicose and spider veins? We’re here to help. Varicose veins are typically covered by many insurance companies, while spider veins are not. However, this depends on what type of insurance you have and the circumstances based on your individual condition. Let’s take a closer look.

Vein disease (varicose and spider veins) is a very real ailment. The common misconception that they are both only cosmetic issues, leads many patients to ignore the signs and symptoms associated with vein disease which includes pain, leg restlessness, and protruding discomfort. A patient’s experience of these symptoms is a sign that corrective procedures must to be done to alleviate the problem. These indicators are also significant to insurance companies regarding coverage.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins result from damage to the tiny valves within the vein walls. Once they’re damaged, blood can no longer flow efficiently from the foot back to the heart. Blood moving in opposite directions results in stagnating blood and causes varicose vein disease.

Since most varicose veins are a medical necessity, insurance companies will cover it.

Medical necessities include:

Venous Insufficiency
Pain and Leg Cramps
Ulcers on the Legs
Bleeding from Varicose Veins
Presence of Reflux on Ultrasound

Some insurance carriers will require three months of conservative therapy before they will consider treatment a covered medical expense.

Conservative therapy includes:

wearing compression stockings everyday
leg elevation
weight loss

Spider Veins

60% of adults have spider veins, which are caused by pressure of body weight along with gravity, struggling to get blood to the heart.

These thin blue, red, and purple lines are generally harmless and pose no medical threats.

Spider veins are rarely covered by insurance companies as it’s typically considered a “cosmetic” treatment.

Ways to reduce the formation of spider veins:

quitting smoking
losing weight
exercising

It’s important to note, that 1 in 4 people with clusters of spider veins actually have vein disease which can be painful like varicose veins.

That’s why it’s important for people with spider veins to have a full diagnostic exam done using an ultrasound to determine the diagnosis.

Treatment for spider veins may be covered by insurance based on exam results.

Each patient’s needs are unique. Contact New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center for more information on varicose and spider veins or to schedule a free screening and consultation.