This is how you can prevent varicose veins
Tired and heavy legs, especially when standing and sitting, swollen ankles and nocturnal calf cramps - these are usually the typical symptoms of varicose veins. Women are about three times as likely to suffer from it as men. However, varicose veins can be prevented well with specific measures.
The body veins are responsible for removing the oxygen-poor blood from the body transport back to the heart. This is guaranteed by several mechanisms:
- The vessel walls of the veins stand out through the surrounding connective tissue under a certain tension. If this tension decreases due to weak connective tissue - the veins literally run out - the reflux is disturbed.
- Valves, so-called venous valves, are built into the veins so that the blood is pressed in the right direction, i.e. towards the heart. They close automatically as soon as the blood threatens to flow back, so that the blood is transported further in the right direction.
- Another mechanism that is supposed to ensure the return flow is the so-called muscle pump: the veins run between the muscles, e.g. B. on the lower leg. When these contract, the veins are squeezed together and the blood continues to be “squeezed”.
Varicose veins can therefore develop when the vascular walls of the veins are “worn out”, so to speak, and the venous valves can no longer close properly as a result. If the muscles, e.g. B. If you are inactive for long periods of time, the risk of varicose veins is increased.
Do you suffer from heavy legs, varicose veins? We provide information on the subject of veins ...
Prevent varicose veins with exercise
- Make sure you get regular exercise in your day-to-day life, especially if you often sit or stand. For example, take a walk during your lunch break or get up from time to time during work and step briskly on the spot for a few minutes. In this way you can prevent varicose veins and also yours Ability to concentrate increase at work.
- Varicose veins can be prevented with exercise that particularly stresses the muscles of the feet and calves. For example, hiking, cycling or swimming are recommended.
Prevent varicose veins with vein gymnastics
- Varicose veins can also be prevented with targeted vein gymnastics. Especially when you don't have time to take a walk or while sitting or standing activities to support the return of blood in the veins and thus your legs relieve.
- In between, keep walking on the spot or tap with both feet Toes on your heels and back. Repeat this movement several times at your own pace, being careful with your balance. Both exercises can also be performed while sitting.
- Lie on the move and elevate your legs. Now alternately stretch and bend your muscles vigorously Feet.
Compression stockings contribute to the prevention of varicose veins
- You can also prevent varicose veins by wearing compression stockings. Depending on the findings, these will be prescribed and made to measure for you by the doctor.
- During pregnancy or on long flights, varicose veins can also be prevented with the help of compression stockings.
Prevent varicose veins with the right clothing
- Avoid wearing high shoes when you are standing. These make it difficult for the muscle pump to work and can aggravate varicose veins.
- To prevent varicose veins, you should wear loose clothing. Make sure that your clothing does not constrict around the back of the knees, calves or ankles. This would only unnecessarily impede the flow of blood.
Other measures to prevent varicose veins
- Obesity is a major risk factor for varicose veins. If you are overweight, preventing varicose veins can be one of many reasons for losing weight. Make sure you have a healthy, balanced diet and adequate fluid intake.
- To prevent varicose veins and to relieve heavy, sore legs, you should always put your legs up in between. You can also support the return of the blood by making foot circles.
- Make alternate showers by alternately showering your calves with warm and cold water. Always end the shower with cold water to optimally stimulate blood circulation.
- You can also prevent varicose veins with cold foot baths, for example with horse chestnut extract as an additive.
- Extreme heat, such as in the sauna, when sunbathing or bathing, should be avoided.
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