How blood circulates through the veins you it?
Blood, propelled by the heart, travels through our arteries to all of our organs it irrigates.
From there, he returned to the heart through the veins and is the "flow back."
In arteries, the heart is the main driver of traffic.
For veins, it is otherwise.
Indeed, while standing, the "gravity" slows the blood circulation going back to the heart. Thanks in part to the action of the calf muscles, "real muscle pump, the blood returns to the heart.
That's why walking is an exercise very conducive to the smooth functioning of the venous circulation, while the immobility it is harmful.
How the veins of our legs?
The veins of our legs are organized into two networks:
- A network of deep veins concealed within the muscles and therefore invisible;
- A network of superficial veins, sometimes visible under the skin where they appear as bluish nets.
These two networks communicate freely with each other by many trade routes.
So that the blood does not flow back under the influence of gravity when we stand, the entire venous system of the legs is equipped with a system of anti-reflux valves very powerful.
Why venous circulation disorders superficial?
For similar reasons, trampling, sedentary lifestyle, long distance travel by plane, train or bus have the same effect.
The woman's hormonal cycle and its variations may also be responsible for discomfort of venous origin.
Constipation is detrimental to proper functioning of your venous circulation because it causes an increase in abdominal pressure that comes thwart the return of venous blood to the heart.
Prolonged exposure to heat in the legs also affects traffic: sunbathing, heating ... cars have the same negative repercussions.
Why you?
One in two women and one-third of French people suffer from their legs. The inheritance plays in an important role. If your mother or your relatives (grandmothers, aunts, sisters ...) or have varicose veins complain of their legs, you're more likely to suffer too.
Pregnancy and other critical periods of female life (puberty, contraception, menopause) also play an important role and may cause the appearance of venous disorders in women previously unaffected, they aggravate the condition of those who already suffering.
Some other factors promote the emergence or aggravation of disorders, especially if combined together: heat, physical inactivity, excess weight or constipation. They should know because it is possible to fight them to limit their effects.
What symptoms should alert you?
The heaviness of the legs is one of the complaints the earliest and most frequent.
It is often associated with other disorders: tingling, discomfort, redness, swelling of the ankles ...
Varicose veins and small dilated veins (spider veins) are the most visible signs, but it is not desirable to wait until they are installed to bother.
If you do not know what attitude to adopt, please ask your pharmacist for advice.
How to treat?
From the early troubles, even discrete, it is useful to make the right decisions, especially if you have any fears of a personal or familial predisposition.
Hygienic rules - simple and effective diet is a good way to fight against suffering vein.
Your pharmacist is well placed to advise you and if deemed necessary, to suggest that you consult a doctor.
In any case, prevention is better than cure.
Some "good advice for bad legs" to help you reduce a risk.
What good habits to adopt?
To ease your discomfort and reduce the discomfort they cause, you must promptly adopt good habits:
Struggle against the sedentary lifestyle and sport:
Walking (with shoes with heels wide and not more than 4 cm in height, whose sole resists twisting) is the exercise of choice to activate blood circulation. It should go a good distance each day, not a walking, alert and supported, to remove an appreciable benefit.
Avoid trampling, window shopping "
Sports peaceful: Swimming, cycling, gymnastics practiced "soft" are also recommended.
Everyone can choose their own pace, frequency and schedules.
The rest of the legs:
- Avoid aggravating factors of venous pain: heat, physical inactivity, overweight, constipation ...
- Remember to walk, move, prefer the movement to immobility, climb the flights of stairs rather than lift
- Refresh your legs by cool showers
- Elevate the foot of your bed (with a wedge of 15 cm at least)
- Low comfort today befitting enough, are comfortable to wear. They will be more effective if you take the precaution of putting them on before getting up and keep them all day.
Massages legs
From the warm season, when your legs are heavy, painful, take care of the massage, morning and evening with a soothing cream, apply it by gentle massage, ascending from the feet to the knees.
A diet selected.
- Choose preferably a diet based on fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and vitamins
- Drink plenty of fluids (1.5 liter of water per day)
- Avoid heavy meals, rich or too little digestible
Good "forms"
- Overweight increasing the disadvantages for your blood circulation and exacerbate the symptoms of suffering venous
- Lose excess pounds and watch your line, if you have your legs
What habits should I fight?
It is good to follow some simple rules to keep the legs "no worries"
Sedentary and standing
It is essential if your business forces you to stay in long standing, stretch your legs in the day, at least every two hours. Practice the movements of the feet and ankles or walk a few steps, a rapid pace.
Sports to master
The practice of certain sports can expose your venous system with an increased risk:
- Sports of high competition,
- Violent sports like tennis or squash,
- Team sports (football, handball, basketball ...), where you may be hit ...
- Combat Sports submitting the venous system to the test.
Attention to heat
The heat does not promote blood circulation: it actually causes a dilation of superficial venous system and therefore, a slowdown in traffic at this level. To reduce the effects, keep your legs from heat.
- Avoid sun beds, hot baths, the floor heating, heating in the car ... Feel free to use the cold shower.
No tight clothing
Tight clothes "jeans" narrow boots, garters ... be avoided if suffering vein: they impede traffic and are aggravating factor.
What medical treatments?
Some drugs have a role to strengthen the "tone" of your veins and reduce discomfort. Do not use medicines without expert advice: Take advice from your pharmacist or doctor.