It’s easy to overlook the important role that healthy legs play in our lives until they pose a problem. For at least 20 per cent of the UK population, this will come in the form of varicose veins. In some cases, they are hardly noticeable and not particularly problematic; in others, they are very visible and painful.
What causes varicose veins?
Imagine the body’s blood supply as traffic in a one-way system. Around the lower leg junction, a vehicle stalls and is unable to continue immediately. After some reversing and idling, it may move slowly forward or remain immobile for longer. This malfunctioning blood flow system causes the halted blood to pool, stretching the veins and ultimately leading to varicose veins. Preventing them from developing in the first place is preferable to seeking treatment down the line as they can be painful and lead to complications such as leg ulcers.
Preventative measures
There are several things you can do if your genetics or lifestyle put you at risk of developing varicose veins. These include general health suggestions such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding standing for long periods, and wearing the right shoes.
The right shoes can help prevent varicose veins
Except for special occasions, high heels are off limits as wearing heels forces the muscles in the buttocks to take the strain rather than those in the legs. This, in turn, reduces the natural blood flow to the lower limbs. Switch to flat or low-heeled shoes, or alternate your heel height until you get used to the change. Always choose well-fitting shoes that fully support feet as this allows the muscles to work efficiently. Add an orthotic insole for a snug fit if necessary.
Deal with varicose veins early
If you already have varicose veins, wearing the right shoes is still important as it may offer some relief, prevent the condition from worsening, or aid in rehabilitation after treatment. These days, many modern and less invasive procedures are used to treat this condition. For example, clinics such as http://www.veinsolutions.co.uk/ offer quality varicose vein treatment in Cheshire, and similar options exist around the country.
It can take some time to adjust to wearing different shoes and other lifestyle changes, but when the reward is preventing varicose veins developing, it is worth persevering.