Summer has two sides to it. On one hand, you relish the opportunity to spend more time outside doing activities you enjoy. The intense heat, on the other hand, can be painful and physically draining. If you have varicose veins, the problem can worsen in the hot summer months. Varicose veins can cause agonising pain and discomfort in some people and occasionally lead to more serious complications as well.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that commonly occur in the legs. This is due to the problem in the valves of the veins leading to backflow and pooling of blood in the veins of your legs. Prolonged standing can further worsen this problem.

Symptoms

Varicose veins usually do not cause any pain. The symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Veins that are dark purple or blue
• The veins appear to be twisted and bulging

However varicose veins can be painful for some. The signs and symptoms in such cases include:

• Heaviness in the legs
• Muscle cramping and burning in the lower legs
• Worsening pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Itching in the area
• Change of skin colour around a varicose vein

Varicose veins do get worse in summer as It is part of the normal response to heat, just like sweating, and does not necessarily mean that the veins are abnormal. Summer heat alone won’t cause them, but if you already have varicose veins, then they can feel much worse in hot weather.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How does summer heat affect varicose veins? 

Although the summer heat does not cause varicose veins, it might exacerbate symptoms. Swelling or soreness in the legs can be more visible during the summer and hot spells. Constant exposure to high temperatures can cause the blood vessels to dilate even more which in turn places more stress on the vein valves. Heat dilates the veins and as a result, they expand. The veins get heavy and exhausted as they distend and fill. Legs can feel sore, itchy, painful and crampy.

Furthermore, as the sun’s rays weaken the upper layers of the skin, the skin loses moisture and flexibility. As a result, both the skin and the veins right beneath the skin’s surface are unable to bend and move properly. When the valves are weak or damaged, blood accumulates at the bottom of the vein, giving it a bluish rope-like bulgy look. This elevated venous pressure might cause heavy aching, discomfort, throbbing or swelling in the legs.

What can you do to relieve discomfort?

• Try to stay cool

Swimming, particularly in cool water, helps improve blood circulation. Just make sure you swim when it is not too hot or you can swim indoors also. You should also sit in the shade wherever possible.

• Choose flat sandals over heels

When you wear flat shoes, your calves have to work more, which promotes muscle activity in comparison to heels. The bottom line is that strengthening the calf muscles keeps blood circulating through your legs.

• Exercise

A brisk 10-minute walk or cycling keeps the blood circulating and helps keep the blood vessels from dilating. Elevate the legs for 10-15 minutes after exercising.

• Sun protection

Those with thinner skin are more likely to suffer from varicose veins. Stay indoors and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when stepping out in the sun. Sunscreen offers protection to the skin, which is why it is beneficial to apply it during the hot summers. Sunscreen offers protection to those who already have varicose veins or are likely to develop later.  

• Hydrate

Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated has numerous advantages, including keeping veins supple and blood circulating efficiently. Dehydration can cause swelling of the tissues in your legs as well as cramping and aching muscles. Limiting or eliminating alcoholic beverages may also help reduce dehydration and varicose vein symptoms.

• Rest and elevate

If your varicose vein symptoms worsen this summer, elevate your legs at a 45-degree angle over your heart for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day. Propping your legs will stimulate blood flow from your legs to your heart, perhaps alleviating swelling and weariness.

• Compression Stockings

Talk to your doctor and use compression stockings as advised.

While these strategies help to manage symptoms, the symptoms may still be unbearable during the summer months. Today, there are various minimally invasive varicose vein treatments and vein therapies that are available that provide relief and resolution. You should discuss the symptoms with your healthcare specialist and for the time being, follow a healthy lifestyle and stay happy.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.