Attending the US Open? 5 Tips to prevent varicose veins

1. Stay Active

At events like the US Open, standing or sitting for long periods can cause blood to pool in your legs, increasing the risk of varicose veins. To prevent this, walk around the venue every 30 minutes and take the stairs instead of the elevator to keep your leg muscles active and blood flowing. If seated, do simple leg exercises like toe flexes, ankle circles, and seated calf raises to maintain circulation. Avoid crossing your legs while sitting; instead, keep your feet flat on the ground or elevated to promote better blood flow and reduce vein pressure. Of course, if you’re at the US Open, tennis is always a great option for staying active! 

2. Choose Comfortable Clothing and Footwear

The US Open can also be your opportunity to make a fashion statement while supporting the event! However, some types of clothing and shoes can be better than others when it comes to vein health. 

Tight clothing, particularly around the waist, thighs, or groin, can constrict blood flow and contribute to varicose veins. so opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like athletic wear, loose dresses, or relaxed-fit pants to support circulation. Similarly, choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning, avoiding tight shoes or high heels that can impede blood flow and increase vein pressure. For long events, well-fitted walking shoes or comfortable wedges/flats with built-in support are ideal. Avoid wearing new or unbroken-in shoes to prevent discomfort and swelling.

3. Wear Compression Socks

While compression socks might not sound like a fashion statement like we described above, they are very important for maintaining circulation and varicose veins. The concept and implementation of compression stockings to improve circulation came from Roman soldiers, who used to wrap leather straps around their legs to improve circulation of blood while marching – we’d like to think they looked pretty stylish!

Compression socks apply graduated pressure to your lower legs, with the highest pressure at the ankle, encouraging blood flow upward. This is especially helpful during long periods of standing or sitting. When choosing compression socks, look for “graduated compression” with a mild to moderate level (15-20 mmHg) for general prevention. They should fit snugly but not be too tight. If you have vein issues, consult a healthcare provider for proper fitting and guidance on the appropriate compression level, as incorrect pressure can be harmful.

4. Be Mindful of what you eat and drink 

The US Open is a fun sporting event to attend, and there is an abundance of snacks and drinks available to enjoy while watching the matches or socializing. It is important to be aware of how these foods and drinks can improve or harm your vein health so you can make informed choices at the event! 

High salt intake can cause water retention and leg swelling, so opt for low-sodium snacks like fruits, vegetables, or nuts, and avoid salty processed foods. Fiber-rich snacks, such as whole-grain crackers, apples, and carrots, help prevent constipation, reducing pressure on your veins.

Alcohol can dehydrate and dilate veins, worsening varicose veins. Drink in moderation, alternating with water to stay hydrated, and consider non-alcoholic options like mocktails. Staying hydrated is crucial for circulation, so drink water regularly, especially in hot weather. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration. By making these mindful choices, you can enjoy the US Open while supporting your vein health.

5. Rest and Recover After the Event

After a long day at the US Open, give your legs recovery time by elevating them above heart level for 15-20 minutes. This helps gravity return blood to your heart, preventing pooling in the legs and reducing the risk of varicose veins. Even slight elevation can decrease vein pressure.

No one really needs another reason to be convinced to get a massage, because they are relaxing and relieving to the body after undergoing strain from the stresses of life, but another great benefit of gently massaging your legs is improving blood circulation. Massaging your legs also stimulates blood flow, reduces swelling, and relieves heaviness from prolonged standing or sitting. Use upward strokes from ankles to thighs, or a foam roller for a deeper massage. Applying lotion or oil can enhance the experience and further ease tension.

What To Do If You Already Have Spider Veins or Varicose Veins

While all of the methods that we previously discussed can help with prevention or provide temporary relief to the pain and discomfort that results from spider veins and varicose vein, the only permanent way to treat vein disease is to seek medical treatment from a vein doctor at a vein treatment center. If you already have spider veins or varicose veins, you can visit any of our vein treatment clinic locations in California, where our minimally-invasive treatments are tailored to your unique medical needs, and the majority of these treatment plans are covered by medical insurance. 

For visible spider vein treatment, sclerotherapy makes use of tiny needles to inject medicine that improves the appearance of spider veins in just one month. The saphenous veins that cause varicose veins are targeted using VenaSeal, radiofrequency ablation, or varithena. 

VenaSeal is a vein adhesive used to close the saphenous vein in the leg that causes varicose veins. Radiofrequency ablation uses thermal energy to close down the damaged vein’s walls. Varithena is a pre-made sclerotherapy foam injected into the vein to reduce the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins. All of these treatment options cause minimal discomfort and take less than a half-hour. There is no anesthesia or recovery time involved, so you can go home or back to work after the procedure at the vein clinic. 

It’s important to find a vein doctor who is highly trained and experienced with minimally invasive procedures so that you can be sure that you are receiving the highest standard of vein care. While the US Open may be in New York, if you are in California, you can make an appointment with any of our board-certified vein doctors who are highly experienced and well-versed in vein care. They are kind and approachable, and prioritize patient care above all else, as they strive to provide everyone who sets foot in their vein center with a pleasant visit.