10 Ways To Ease Your
Venous Disease Symptoms
Venous disease affects millions of people. It occurs when valves in the veins of the legs are unable to efficiently propel blood back to the heart. It is chronic and progressive, and it can cause pain, swelling, and varicose veins. Left untreated, it can lead to serious medical complications.
If you are experiencing signs of venous disease, there are steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort and help prevent the progression of symptoms.
1. Elevate. Elevate your legs above your heart – for as long as 30 minutes or as briefly as three minutes – as often as possible. The best time is after you have been standing or after a hot shower.
2. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Avoid tight-fitting clothes around your legs and waist. It will help by not impeding circulation in your lower body.
3. Avoid high heels. High-heeled shoes shorten the muscles in the back of your leg and prevent deep veins from operating at their full capacity.
4. Sit properly. Focus on good posture and avoid crossing your legs or sitting in ways that can compress veins for prolonged periods.
5. Walk. Walking causes the rhythmic contraction of calf muscles and helps promote blood flow to the heart. Walk at least 30 minutes every day – all at once, or in shorter increments.
6. Take a break. Take frequent walking breaks to avoid sitting or standing for periods of more than two hours.
7. Wear compression stockings. Wearing compression stockings purchased from your pharmacy will help promote the flow of blood when you are flying, on your feet for long periods, or carrying heavy loads.
8. Know your history. Women with a family history of vein disorders, or those who have relatives with varicose veins, should wear compression stockings during menarche and menopause, and during pregnancy – most importantly, during the first trimester.
9. Don’t smoke. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke constricts veins and affects overall circulation.
10. Contact a phlebologist. See a board certified phlebologist for a screening and evaluation, or to find out more about risks, prevention, and treatment of venous disease.