Inadequate circulation throughout the body, particularly in the legs, can result in varicose veins and venous disease. When the valves work improperly, blood pools in the veins. From there, risk rises for developing varicose or spider veins and other problems like deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Swelling, discomfort, pain and unsightly skin issues can all result from these circulation issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do to improve your blood flow and prevent vein conditions from developing. Here are a few.
Be more active
Many people develop vein conditions because they don’t move their legs enough during the day, due to sitting down while at work or at home. But what will help even more is developing a routine of physical activity. Physical exercise of any kind, such as walking, jogging, cycling and swimming, opens up your veins and improves blood flow to your heart. Your calf muscle is known as the venous pump, and it assists in moving the blood up your legs into your heart. Therefore, creating an exercise habit that gets you moving will keep your circulatory system working properly and keep your legs from suffering from poor circulation problems.
Elevate your legs or stand to work
Even if you have a desk job, there are plenty of ways to keep your blood moving. Elevating your legs with a stool while seated will help your blood flow against gravity more effectively, and doing small leg exercises, like heel lifts and ankle rotations, can keep your muscles from becoming too immobile. If you have the option of standing to work, make sure to take advantage of it regularly, and take breaks to walk around. Any change in position or movement during the workday will be beneficial to your circulatory health.
Make Intentional Clothing Choices
It’s not uncommon for certain articles of clothing to impede blood flow. This is especially true in many circumstances for high heels and tight shoes. Other tight clothing such as skinny jeans also have the potential to restrict circulation. If you routinely dress professionally or wear tight clothing out of habit, it may be good for your circulation to consider wearing apparel that is looser, more comfortable and more friendly to blood flow.
Manage your weight
Weight is an important factor in the health of your circulatory system. Overweightness can force the heart to work harder and differently than it’s supposed to. Also, the stress from unhealthy weight gain keeps blood from flowing as it should.
Stay hydrated
Water is essential to our bodily function in a multitude of ways, providing the means to digest nutrients, improve blood flow, lubricate joints and much more. So if you want your blood flow—or any other bodily function, for that matter—to improve, drink more water. Tea is also a good option, as the herbs, minerals and antioxidants commonly found within it can fight stress and promote health in your body.
Use compression clothing
Many people with circulation issues wear compression stockings to keep blood from pooling and their legs from swelling. At Virginia Vein & Wellness Center, our certified Sigvaris compression stocking fitter can determine the right amount of compression necessary for your needs and give you more catered tips on how to keep your blood flowing properly.
If you want to improve your blood flow and prevent varicose veins or venous disease, we’d love to help! Contact us today.