TIPS FOR HEALTHY LEGS

Varicose veins may cause
a variety of different symptoms, such as:
  • Swelling in your legs and ankles
  • Tired or heavy legs
  • Itchiness in your ankles and legs
  • Restless legs, especially at night
  • Dry, brownish or hardened skin on your legs
  • Wounds on your legs or ankles that do not heal
Although varicose veins don’t just go away on their own, you can take action to relieve varicose vein symptoms.

How to Relieve Varicose Vein Symptoms

  • Elevate your legs: One of the best ways to relieve varicose vein discomfort is to raise your legs above the level of the heart. That boost your body’s natural circulation. We recommend elevating several times a day for 15-20 minutes by lying in bed at home and placing a few pillows under your legs or by using a lift recliner. 
  • Get moving: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Physical activity improves return of blood to the heart, so get up and move around the office or your home. When you are unable to move around, you can periodically stretch out your calf muscles.
  • Think about what you wear: It may help to avoid tight, restrictive clothing that can impact normal blood flow. Always wear comfortable shoes, particularly if you will be on your feet for long periods. Your doctor may recommend that you wear compression stockings. Be sure to get your legs properly measured and select the compression that your doctor prescribed. This will help ensure the best fit, greatest level of comfort, and most effective pain relief.
  • Cool down. Avoid extended exposure to heat from sunbathing, hot baths, or the sauna, as excessive heat. After a long tiring day, especially during the summer, revitalize your legs with a cool shower or bath. There’s nothing quite like plain cold water to help relieve varicose vein pain. Soaking or showering your legs, ankles, and feet in cool water can help relieve any swelling and discomfort. 
  • Watch your diet.  When you manage your weight with healthy diet and regular exercise, you are less likely to have leg symptoms, such as swelling. Eating foods high in sodium can result in increased water retention and varicose vein pain. On the other hand, eating foods rich in potassium can help resolve these issues

5 tips for healthy legs during pregnancy

  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods at a time.
  • Stay active. Frequent moderate physical exercise such as walking, swimming, or hiking is important to maintain healthy legs.
  • At night or when resting during the day, lie comfortably with your legs slightly elevated.
  • Avoid extended exposure to heat such as sunbathing, hot baths, or sauna, as excessive heat will cause your veins to dilate and may induce swelling.
  • Wear medical compression hosiery to help promote blood circulation.

6 tips for healthy legs on long distance journeys

  • Move your feet and ankles every 30 minutes (10 flexes and 10 circles).
  • Drink plenty of water and keep yourself well-hydrated; avoid alcohol.
  • Take a short walk at least every two hours, while on the plane or train or at a service station.
  • Do not cross your legs.
  • Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes.
  • Wear compression stockings to prevent symptoms and swelling.

If you’re suffering from heavy, achy legs, or if you have visible or painful varicose veins you’d like to be treated, contact us today.

Vein Care
Moncton Vein Clinic
Moncton Vein Clinic

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Moncton Vein Clinic
Dr. Christos Lioupis

100 Arden Street (Suite 105)
Moncton, NB E1C4B7