Venous Disease – Ways to Ease your Symptoms
Venous disease occurs when valves in the veins of the legs are unable to efficiently propel blood back to the heart. This condition is chronic and progressive and can cause pain, swelling and varicose veins. Here are steps you can take to temporarily alleviate some of the discomfort caused by this condition.
1. Elevate your legs above your heart – for anywhere from 3 -30 minutes as often as possible. Especially after you’ve been standing a long time.
2. Avoid tight-fitting clothes around your legs and waist. It will help by not impeding circulation in your lower body.
3. Avoid high heeled shoes which shorten the muscles in the back of your leg and prevent deep veins from working at their full capacity.
4. Focus on good posture and avoid crossing your legs or sitting in ways that can compress leg veins for prolonged periods of time.
5. Walk at least 30 minutes every day – all at once or in shorter increments. Walking helps by causing the rhythmic contraction of calf muscles which helps promote blood flow to the
6. Take frequent walking breaks to avoid sitting or standing for periods of more than two hours.
7. Wear compression stockings which will help promote blood flow when you are flying or on your feet for long periods of time.
8. Don’t smoke. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke constricts veins and affects overall circulation.
9. Contact a phlebologist for a screening and evaluation.
