As we all know, Monday, September 5th was Labor Day. But did you know that it first became a federal holiday in 1894? Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the USA. Labor Day is also considered as the unofficial end of summer.
The other “Labor Day” we often discuss in our Vein and Vascular Surgery practice at Waterford Vein Institute is pregnancy. Many women first develop varicose veins – or find that their varicose veins get worse – during their pregnancy. As the amount of blood in your body increases, it puts pressure on the large vein on the right side of your body, which increases pressure in your leg veins. As your progesterone levels rise, the walls of your blood vessels can relax, causing your legs to swell and ache.
Also, varicose veins tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy. But they tend to improve after you give birth, particularly if you didn’t have any before you got pregnant.
Other Causes of Varicose Veins
Besides pregnancy, other causes include:
- Your sex: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men.
- Your family: You’re more likely to have varicose veins if your parents had them.
- Your age: As you get older, the valves in your lower legs can get damaged, causing blood to flow backwards and pool as swollen veins.
- Your weight: Being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle can cause varicose veins, too.
- Your job: Standing for long periods can make you more susceptible, so many of our patients are firemen, policemen, teachers, waitresses, hairdressers, and other folks who are on their feet most of the day.
The good news?
Dr. Randy Waterford is a quadruple certified vein and vascular specialist with decades of experience in dealing with painful, aching varicose veins. He and his caring staff at Waterford Vein Institute offer a variety of ways to treat your vein problems.
The better news?
We’re hosting complimentary September vein and vascular evaluations in our offices on Maui and The Big Island. Call us today to book your appointment at (808) 871-VEIN (8346). If Dr. Waterford determines that you have venous insufficiency (vein disease), he can recommend a quick, minimally invasive procedure –– and most varicose vein treatments are covered by your insurance.
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