Is Hot Water Good for Varicose Veins?
Taking a nice warm bath at the end of the day might sound relaxing, but if you have a history of varicose veins or currently suffer from them it could make them worse. Learn why hot baths can make varicose veins worse.
What are Varicose Veins?
To understand why hot baths are so problematic when you have varicose veins, you must learn more about them.
Blood circulates throughout your body using a system of veins. When the veins are healthy, the walls are extremely strong and blood quickly moves throughout the body. However, when the veins become unhealthy, the walls of the veins can weaken. Once the walls weaken it results in swelling of the blood vessels which is known as varicose veins.
Common symptoms of varicose veins include:
- •Extremely large veins that appear lumpy or twisted
- •Veins that appear dark blue or purple
- •Pain and swelling near the veins
- •Intense itching
- •Throbbing or cramping
Why Do Hot Baths Make Varicose Veins Worse?
Hot baths, even hot tubs and lengthy hot showers, can make varicose veins worse. The heat from the water will cause the veins in your body to swell. If the veins start to swell, the blood flow will slow down. Slower moving blood will start to pool in the body which can cause you to experience intense itching, swelling, and pain.
What to Do if You Suffer from Varicose Veins
There are some things you can do to reduce any pain or discomfort you experience from varicose veins. Some of the things you can do include:
- •Avoid taking lengthy hot baths if you currently suffer from varicose veins
- •Keep hot showers short
- •Avoid using hot tubs
- •Don’t apply heat to any swollen or painful veins
- •Avoid wearing any clothing that is too tight or restrictive
- •Keep moving – try to avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time as this can cause the blood in your legs to pool and result in the development of varicose veins
- •Maintain your weight – if you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain that weight. If you are overweight or obese, make lifestyle changes to try and lose weight.
- •Consider wearing compression stockings
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
If you suffer from painful, swollen veins, there are several treatment options that can help relieve any pain or discomfort. Some possible treatment options include:
- •Ambulatory microphlebectomy
- •Laser ablation
- •Foam sclerotherapy
- •Ultrasound guided chemical ablation
Want to find relief for your painful varicose veins? Call Kimmel Institute to schedule a consultation with our vein doctor. Our vein doctor will be able to provide you with varicose vein treatment options that will relieve any pain, swelling or discomfort you are experiencing.
In addition to varicose veins, our vein doctor can help treat a number of other problems including spider veins and DVT. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.