All of us know at least one person who is always on their feet, traveling for long periods of time, and living a fast-paced lifestyle. You might also see them desperate to get out of their shoes at the end of the day, and maybe hear them complain about their swollen feet, tired legs, aching knees and ankles.
Does this sound familiar? If so, you and your loved one should be aware of the risk of developing leg vein problems associated with prolonged sitting or standing, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the deep veins that can "break loose, travel through your bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism)."
Besides achy legs, other symptoms to watch out for include early signs of varicose veins, skin discoloration, cramps, leg fatigue, spider veins, and leg ulcers.
Most people who have these symptoms tend to be healthcare workers, expectant mothers, business travelers, teachers, factory workers, service men and women, retailers, athletes, senior citizens, people with a family history of leg vein problems or a blood-clotting disorder, overweight individuals, or anyone who stands or sits for long periods of time each day.
The good news is that there are many ways to keep your legs healthy. For best results, it's good to do a combination of the following recommendations: avoid sitting still for long periods of time, move and stretch as often as you can (especially if you're bed bound), lose weight and quit smoking, get regular exercise, and wear medical-grade graduated compression socks.
Why compression socks? Graduated compression socks and stockings are greatly beneficial for your legs because they support weak veins and help increase blood flow back to the heart, thereby preventing swelling and pooling, and slowing down the progression of vein diseases. For more information, you may read: Using compression stockings to prevent DVT and its symptoms, and How graduated compression works.
Related: Runner's World- Compression Socks
If you have a specific medical condition or need specialized care, you should ask your doctor or podiatrist if compression socks are a good fit for you and what other ways you can keep your feet and legs healthy.
Today is nice and warm outside in Marin. Stay well and enjoy the beautiful weather!
Does this sound familiar? If so, you and your loved one should be aware of the risk of developing leg vein problems associated with prolonged sitting or standing, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the deep veins that can "break loose, travel through your bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism)."
Besides achy legs, other symptoms to watch out for include early signs of varicose veins, skin discoloration, cramps, leg fatigue, spider veins, and leg ulcers.
Most people who have these symptoms tend to be healthcare workers, expectant mothers, business travelers, teachers, factory workers, service men and women, retailers, athletes, senior citizens, people with a family history of leg vein problems or a blood-clotting disorder, overweight individuals, or anyone who stands or sits for long periods of time each day.
The good news is that there are many ways to keep your legs healthy. For best results, it's good to do a combination of the following recommendations: avoid sitting still for long periods of time, move and stretch as often as you can (especially if you're bed bound), lose weight and quit smoking, get regular exercise, and wear medical-grade graduated compression socks.
Why compression socks? Graduated compression socks and stockings are greatly beneficial for your legs because they support weak veins and help increase blood flow back to the heart, thereby preventing swelling and pooling, and slowing down the progression of vein diseases. For more information, you may read: Using compression stockings to prevent DVT and its symptoms, and How graduated compression works.
Related: Runner's World- Compression Socks
If you have a specific medical condition or need specialized care, you should ask your doctor or podiatrist if compression socks are a good fit for you and what other ways you can keep your feet and legs healthy.
Today is nice and warm outside in Marin. Stay well and enjoy the beautiful weather!
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