Are Cellulite and Varicose Veins Related?

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Cellulite and varicose veins are incredibly common, and nearly everyone will have them at some point. Are these conditions related? Can you develop one without the other? If you have one or both, how do you get rid of cellulite and varicose veins?

While these conditions are normal, you can seek treatment to find relief from them. Understanding what causes cellulite and varicose veins can help you determine whether treatment is a suitable option for you. 

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Causes of Cellulite

While some people tend to associate cellulite with obesity, anyone can develop it. Extra body fat is only one factor in getting cellulite. Other causes include: 

  • Poor diet and exercise habits. 
  • Hormones and genetics. 
  • Hypothyroidism. 

Any of these things can impact the effectiveness of your circulation and lymphatic systems, which can lead to fat cells popping through connective tissue. The cells are under pressure, and they struggle to get the nutrients and water they need. The inflammation results in the skin’s new texture, which is challenging to smooth without treatment.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Any vein that becomes enlarged or looks twisty becomes classified as a varicose vein. These veins usually occur in the legs, where your veins come under the most pressure when you stand and walk. Though varicose veins are often a cosmetic matter, sometimes they ache or spark pain. 

Varicose veins occur when the valves that should prevent blood from flowing backward stop working. Instead, blood pools in the veins, which become stretched out. The older you get, the more likely you are to develop varicose veins. Women also have a higher risk of getting them due to hormones that relax their vein walls, making it easier for pooling blood to enlarge them. 

Can Varicose Veins Cause Cellulitis? 

Yes, in some cases. Varicose veins can spark inflammation of the skin, which may prompt cellulite to develop. Varicose veins can also prompt skin infections that look similar to cellulite when they start. The soft cellulite people get as they age or gain weight is most often associated with varicose veins. 

How to Get Rid of Cellulite and Varicose Veins

Many people who have these conditions want to resolve them. Treatment can provide relief, though it may not be an effective cure. 

You can improve poor leg circulation from varicose veins by increasing the amount of regular exercise you do, adding walks to your daily routine. Wearing compression socks or propping up your legs can ease pain, and making dietary changes may reduce the visibility of varicose veins. 

Altering your diet and exercise routine may also address cellulite. You can modify your nutrition by upping your daily doses of fruits and vegetables while lowering your fat intake. Walking or performing other moderate to intense exercise three to five times a week and using massage can also break up fatty deposits and lessen the appearance of cellulite. 

If you have cellulite or varicose veins, Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center can help you. Schedule an appointment with us today. 

Ocoee / Health Central

10000 W. Colonial Dr. #495
 Ocoee, FL 34761

(407) 293-5944 | Fax: (407) 293-7355
Hunters Creek / The Loop

1130 Cypress Glen Circle
 Kissimmee, FL 34741

(407) 293-5944 | Fax: (407) 293-7355
The Villages

13953 Northeast 86th Terrace, Suite 101
Lady Lake, FL 32159

(352) 561-2800 | Fax: (407) 293-7355