What causes leg swelling in the winters?

December 16, 2024

Swollen, twisted, and bulging out veins, also known as Varicose Veins, can be both a cosmetic and a painful problem. These varicose veins appear just under the skin and are usually purple or blue in colour. While varicose veins can appear in any part of the body, legs remain the most affected and prone areas for them.
 

While varicose veins are a problem for most of the patients all year round, cases of worsening of pain and other problems associated with varicose veins have been very common among patients during winters. Due to cold temperatures, varicose veins can cause elevated pain and swelling in the legs. Cold weather brings its own set of challenges for patients with varicose veins. Hence, it is of utmost importance to understand the impact of winters on varicose veins to avoid unnecessary discomfort in patients. This article explains in detail about the adverse effects of winters on varicose veins, the precautions needed to be taken, and the treatment options.

 

Why does winter cause swollen legs?

Before getting to the treatment options and precautions, it is important to understand why cool weather causes swollen legs in the first place. In winters, when the temperature drops to lower degrees, the body requires more heat in order to function properly. As an adaptation to the changed weather conditions and increased need for body heat, the circulation system starts to work harder. 

This causes the heart to pump blood faster, as more blood is needed to keep the body warm. As a result of this, pressure on the veins increases, and thus, those who already have varicose veins are the ones who are affected the most. This adds to their problems and escalates the painful and irritating symptoms.

 

Other factors that can cause swollen legs in winters

Apart from the body’s adaptations discussed above, there are some other factors that contribute to swollen legs due to varicose veins in winters:

  1. Blood Pressure: Sitting or standing for too long can cause further increase in the blood pressure in veins, thus in turn, adding to the problem of swollen legs.
  2. Valves: When one-way valves in the blood vessels weaken, it can cause the blood to pool up, and hence result in swelling of legs.
  3. Caffeine: Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can make people feel more warm and energetic in winters, however, it constricts the blood vessels, leading to decreased circulation and swollen legs.
  4. Dehydration: People tend to drink less than the required amount of water during winters, which causes dehydration, making it harder for the veins to circulate blood.
  5. Dry indoor air and Tight Clothing: People tend to use heaters and other appliances in the winters, which causes their skin to dry up, adding to the problems. Tight clothing can also result in compromised blood flow at times.

 

Precautions that can help ease your discomfort out 

Though these are not a permanent solution for varicose veins, here are some precautions that you can take in order to avoid problems due to swollen legs in cold weather:

  1. Decrease your intake of Caffeine: Instead of caffeinated drinks, you can use herbal tea and other caffeine-free drinks to stay warm and cozy during the winters.
  2. Avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting: Avoid a sedentary life in winters. Make sure to walk around your garden, try out some stretching exercises for a few minutes, or take a few breaks for a casual walk around the house between your sitting sessions.
  3. Exercise Regularly and Drink Enough Water: If outdoor conditions are not suitable for exercising outside or going to your gym, try yoga poses and other indoor activities which can help in proper blood circulation and heighten energy levels. Drink adequate amounts of water to keep yourself hydrated.

 

Treatment for Varicose Veins

While the precautions can help you keep the symptoms and discomfort due to varicose veins in control, they are not the permanent solution for them. Thanks to the latest technological advancements in healthcare, it is possible to get permanent rid of varicose veins, through various techniques. Varicose vein treatment at Sohana Hospital Mohali is affordable, painless and minimally invasive.

Laser Ablation: It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser to treat varicose veins. It causes minimal pain and concludes within an hour. Patients can resume most of their activities readily after the treatment.

Varicose veins Embolization: This procedure involves the use of a catheter to stop the block blood flow to an enlarged vein.

VenaSeal: This technique uses a medical glue to seal the varicose vein, as a result of which, the patient gets relief from varicose veins with minimal discomfort and a short recovery time. VenaSeal stands out as the most effective and popular choice for the treatment of varicose veins.

If your are looking for Best Varicose Vein Treatment Near Me or Best Varicose Veins Doctor in Chandigarh Mohali , you’ve just landed on the right page. Sohana Hospital Mohali, with it’s leading-in-the-region technology and expert Doctors, provides the most holistic and comprehensive treatment for all kinds of varicose veins problems, helping the patients to get permanent freedom from discomfort and pain associated with the problem. 

Gain your confidence and comfort back! Book an appointment now!