Holiday Tips for Healthy Legs
The holiday season can be really tough on legs. Standing in long lines, flying on planes, and even sitting in mall traffic, can wreak havoc on your circulatory system. How so? Healthy veins have valves, which open and close to assist the return of blood to the heart. Vein disease (also called venous disease) occurs if these valves become damaged and allow the blood to flow back down into the legs, instead of returning back up to the heart. Add to that gravity (which affects the lower limbs more than other parts of the body), and legs and feet can start to feel heavy and achy.
With holiday shopping and celebrations in full swing, now is the perfect time for people to think about how they’re treating their legs. Approximately half of the U.S. population has some form of venous disease, which includes, but isn’t limited to, varicose veins. But don’t worry, there are things that you can do to alleviate venous symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.
Here are 5 simple tips for people to take good care of their legs this season:
1. Holiday shoppers, kick off your heels! High heels seriously restrict the calf muscles and can make it difficult for veins to get the “pump” they need. Wear sneakers or flats instead.
2. Dress for comfort at the company party. Don’t wear those tight jeans or slacks that may have fit last year. Tight clothing can be enough to restrict venous flow from the legs to the heart.
3. Tap your toes when you’re stuck in a plane, train or automobile. Tapping your feet— heels, then toes squeezes the deep veins in your legs, forcing the blood to circulate.
4. Get Christmas (compression) stockings. Graduated compression stockings (look for 20-30 mmHg) keep the blood moving and make your legs feel great, even after standing in long lines at the mall. (They’re available for men and women online and at most pharmacies.)
5. Walk for 30 minutes. Over the holidays, many people skip their regular exercise routines to the detriment of their legs and overall health. Walking just half an hour every day is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy.
To learn more about the prevention and treatment of venous disease, visit a phlebologist (vein specialist) certified by the American Board of Phlebology (ABPh). While many may practice vein care, a board certified phlebologist meets the ABPh’s high standard and had the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality patient care.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, she cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. Dr. Asbjornsen is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or [email protected].
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