About moving, high heels and standing too long
Varicose veins are blue, disfiguring and tortuous veins on the legs. No wonder they are a thorn in the side of many women. We selected eleven tips to prevent you from getting them or at least to ensure that the problem does not get worse.
Not only are varicose veins not beautiful, but they can also be quite painful. So every reason to avoid getting them. With a few simple adjustments to your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk.
1. Move!
One of the main remedies for varicose veins is exercise. Bicycles, to walk, jogging and swimming are excellent ways to prevent the formation of varicose veins. In particular, regularly do forms of cardio training that work on your leg muscles and calf muscles. In these forms of movement, the leg muscles contract and massage the veins. The blood is supplied with oxygen through movement and the circulation is stimulated. Do you already suffer from varicose veins? Try to avoid strength training with the legs. Research shows that heavy strength training contributes to its development.
2. Watch your clothes
Do not wear tight, tight and tight clothing. Clothing should have a loose fit, be soft and provide constant ventilation. If you suffer from or are predisposed to varicose veins, you should avoid tight clothing as they can interfere with circulation.
3. Customize your footwear
If you are predisposed to varicose veins, it is wise to adjust your footwear. Towering stiletto heels are not a good idea. Do you really want to wear high heels? Then wear them no more than 2 to 3 times a week and wear comfortable shoes on the other days.
4. Eat healthy
A healthy, varied diet is always a good idea. Fresh fruit, fiber and plenty of raw vegetables. Do not smoke, be moderate with alcohol and coffee. All this benefits your circulation.
5. Raise your legs
Ready for some rest? Put your legs a little higher when you sit or lie down. The blood wants to collect at the lowest point and therefore puts great pressure on your legs. This can easily cause congestion. Make sure your legs are slightly higher when you go to sleep by adjusting the foot end. Don’t have an adjustable footboard? Then put an extra pillow under your feet.
6. Watch your weight
Being overweight makes varicose veins more likely. In overweight people, an increase in pressure in the abdomen prevents the blood from returning from the legs to the heart as well. The blood in the legs is pushed up and there can be widening of the veins, causing varicose veins. This in turn can lead to moisture in the legs and thus to oxygen deficiency in the skin. Ultimately, this can lead to persistent wounds on the lower legs, a so-called ‘open leg’. Losing weight when overweight significantly reduces the risk of varicose veins. Obesity brings of course anyway the necessary risks with him.
7. Adjust Your Shower Habits
Cold showers improve the elasticity of your blood vessels. Don’t feel like taking a cold shower? Then rinse the feet and legs with cold water after showering or bathing. Always rinse from the feet upwards.
8. Avoid standing and sitting
If you have a standing occupation, sit down regularly. Also try to regularly tighten and release the calf muscles. If you have a sedentary job, go for a walk regularly and if this is possible, put your legs at the same height. Gravity puts extra strain on your veins when you stand or sit for a long time. Do you have to stand for a long time and do you have a tendency to get varicose veins? Then it is wise to wear compression stockings as a precaution. Ask your doctor for advice on this. Elastic compression stockings or support stockings can offer a solution for standing or sitting work. Bandages or compression therapy sometimes works even better than compression stockings to provide counter pressure and prevent varicose veins.
9. Don’t lift too much
Do not lift too heavy. This puts additional pressure on the veins, allowing them to expand further.
10. Travel with discretion
On a long car ride, try stopping every hour to walk for a few minutes. It is also wise to ensure regular exercise during long bus or air journeys.
11. Massage yourself
Massage your legs regularly. Start at the bottom and then work your way up. Massage has a beneficial effect on blood circulation in heavy, tired legs, unsightly veins and cold feet. You can for such a leg massage use normal massage oil. In addition, there are products available at drugstores and pharmacy that can have a beneficial effect on the blood circulation. Horse chestnut, witch hazel and jojoba, among others, have a positive effect on blood circulation.
