Approximately 24% of adults in the U.S. have varicose veins. These unsightly, blue and purple lines, which most often appear on the legs, have many unavoidable causes, including menopause, genetics, gender (women are more likely to get them), and pregnancy. However, there are also a handful of avoidable habits known to contribute to their formation. To help you cut down on your risk of confronting this issue, here are a few habits that may speed up their development.

Avoidable Causes of Varicose Veins

1.  Sitting For Hours at a Time

If you rarely take a break from your desk during the work day, you’re more likely to develop varicose veins. This is because when we sit for hours at a time, the lack of movement in our muscles can cause blood to pool in our legs rather than travel up to our heart. Take frequent stretch breaks to avoid this, as even a quick trip to the water cooler is enough to get your muscles moving and your blood pumping.

2. Lack of Exercise

For similar reasons, a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to these problematic veins. Exercise, including something as simple as taking a brisk walk, activates the calf and leg muscles, which gets the blood in the legs pumping back up to the heart. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, another factor that causes this issue. Anything that strengthens the valves in your veins and improves circulation may help lower your risk of developing varicose veins.

3. Eating Too Much Salt

A diet high in salt may also increase your likelihood of developing them. Consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention, as it causes the body to hold extra fluids in the cells. This puts pressure on the valves inside your veins, which can cause them to dilate, weaken, and swell. Water retention also commonly leads to weight gain, which adds stress to your vein’s valves.

If you’ve developed varicose veins, the phlebectomy experts at Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan in New York City are eager to help. The center offers a variety of advanced options for varicose and spider vein treatment, along with liposuction and laser solutions. Each patient is seen and treated by the top-rated specialist Dr. Ronald Lev, who is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Visit their website to learn more about treatment options, and call (212) 204-6501 to schedule a consultation.