February is the month dedicated to love. While you might focus on your romantic relationship, don’t forget to show yourself a little love. That includes taking care of your legs.
If you deal with leg heaviness, swelling, visible veins, or aching by the end of the day, your veins may be asking for extra support.
This month, fellowship-trained, double-board-certified specialist Dr. Jacobs and our South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine team share three ways you can improve your vein health this February.
The more you move, the more you support your vascular system. When you walk or move your legs, your calf muscles act like a pump and help push blood back toward your heart.
Your calf muscles are dubbed “your second heart” for this reason.
You don’t need intense workouts to see benefits. Try simple habits like:
Even small bursts of movement can reduce pressure in your leg veins and ease symptoms like heaviness or fatigue.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle not only increases your risk of varicose veins, but it can also increase your risk of several other health concerns, like heart disease and obesity. Regular movement can help reduce the risks associated with inactivity.
Veins work against gravity, especially in your legs. Elevating your legs above your heart level when you rest helps blood flow more easily back to your heart and reduces swelling.
Compression stockings can also provide daily support by gently improving circulation and preventing blood from pooling in the legs. They’re especially helpful if you:
Compression stockings gently support your leg veins by improving blood flow and preventing pooling of blood in the legs. This added support can ease symptoms such as swelling and heaviness while promoting overall healthier circulation.
Compression stockings are available in different strengths (measured in mmHg), and Dr. Jacobs can help you choose the right level for your needs.
You probably already know that staying hydrated is important, but do you know exactly how it affects your vein health? Hydration supports healthy circulation. When you’re dehydrated, blood can become thicker, which makes it harder for veins to do their job efficiently.
In other words, drinking enough water supports smoother blood flow and overall vascular health.
Men need about 15.5 cups of fluids each day, and women need about 11.5 cups. Not all of that has to be water. You can get some of your fluids from broth, herbal tea, and juice.
Pair hydration with a balanced, fiber-rich diet to support vein health. Fiber helps prevent constipation and straining (which increases pressure in your leg veins), while fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins support healthy circulation and blood vessel function.
Lifestyle habits can go a long way, but they aren’t always enough. If you notice persistent leg pain, swelling, skin changes, or visible varicose veins, it may be time for a professional evaluation. These may be signs of venous insufficiency.
At South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Jacobs specializes in diagnosing and treating vein disease with image-guided techniques.
During your evaluation, Dr. Jacobs uses advanced ultrasound imaging and VeinLite® technology to assess blood flow and clearly visualize any affected veins.
This allows him to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment.
Your legs carry you through every part of your day, and they deserve care and attention.
Ready to take the next step? Call 516-865-1234 or click here to schedule a consultation in our Rockville Centre, New York, location, to learn more about your vein health and explore personalized treatment options.
