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Does Salty Ocean Water Help Cure Varicose Veins?

Woman coming out of the sea in a wet dress after a swim at the beach in summer

Living in the South Florida area means you have easy access to the ocean, but will swimming in saltwater help get rid of your varicose veins? Keep the following information on this vein problem in mind, so you can determine if you should plan to head to the beach.

Why Salty Seawater Doesn’t Cure Varicose Veins

Being in the ocean might be soothing overall, but it won’t cure varicose veins. When you’re in the water, blood won’t be collecting in the affected veins. However, once you’re out of the water, blood begins to pool again in these veins, especially if you’re out in the sun. Heat can make varicose veins worse rather than easing symptoms. This is also why you should avoid sticking your legs in the warm sand. When you go to the beach, you should try to go when the water is cooler, such as in the morning. When you’re on the beach, keep your legs lightly covered to prevent sunlight from directly heating them up.

Why Swimming Helps Varicose Veins

The ocean’s salty water might not cure varicose veins, but it can help in other ways. Being in the water might temporarily soothe soreness caused by this vein problem. Keep in mind that swimming also provides you with a good form of exercise. When you swim, you’re giving your leg muscles a strong workout. This can help improve blood circulation, which helps lower the amount of pooling occurring in your veins. Swimming can also help you get rid of excess weight. Being overweight puts more strain on your leg veins, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight through swimming and other exercises.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

While taking a dip in the ocean won’t make varicose veins go away, treatment is available. The kind of treatment that is most suitable for you depends on factors, such as how big the affected veins are. A vein physician can help you determine which procedure is right for you. Some of the vein treatment options to consider include the following:

  • Laser ablation: This treatment involves having a small laser fiber placed in the affected vein in order to close it and prevent blood from pooling in it. This procedure is non-surgical and takes under an hour to perform.
  • Ambulatory microphlebectomy: This procedure involves having small incisions made in order to remove the affected veins with surgical hooks. This treatment is typically used for those who have larger varicose veins.
  • Ultrasound guided chemical ablation: This treatment involves having a chemical injected into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance. The vein is then sealed shut with a pressure bandage, which helps stop blood from collecting inside it. This is typically done for deeper varicose veins.
  • Foam sclerotherapy: This procedure involves having a foam solution injected into the affected vein to close it. This treatment is often used for larger varicose veins.

Get Treated by Our Vein Doctors at The Kimmel Institute in Florida

If you need help for varicose veins, please contact The Kimmel Institute to schedule an appointment and meet our vein physicians in Florida. Our office in Boca Raton offers convenient access for patients in South Florida, including West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, who need vein treatment. You can also visit us online to view our before and after images.