Do you ever experience achy and tired legs? Do you ever have leg swelling, a feeling of leg heaviness, or restless legs? If so, you might be suffering from what is called CVI, or Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? It is a condition that occurs when the veins in the lower extremities become weak and no longer allow adequate blood flow back to the heart. There are many reasons why this can happen. Advanced age, obesity, pregnancy, sitting or standing for long periods of time, smoking, lack of exercise, shoes (high heels), height or even a family history of this condition can all contribute to a person having CVI.
Veins are under no pressure and must rely on valves and pressure from muscle contractions to control blood flow back to the heart. When the vein valves become weak or damaged, blood will flow away from the heart back to the feet, leading to pooling of blood and fluid in the ankles and feet. You may notice enlarged, twisted and often hard veins that “pop” out of the legs. These are called varicose veins, and can lead to pain, swelling and even ulcers if left untreated.
Treatment options may vary depending on the reason for the condition and should always be discussed with your healthcare professional. Here are a few tips that can be effective in managing the symptoms:
- Stay active: You do not need expensive equipment or a gym membership, simply strolling around the block can be extremely beneficial. It helps to keep that blood pumping.
- Elevate your legs: Having your legs above your heart (laying with your feet propped up on a pillow) allows gravity to help blood flow back towards your heart despite leaky, weak veins.
- Avoid long periods of standing/sitting: Flex and extend your legs, feet and ankles every 30 minutes, or walk around if possible. This keeps blood flowing and does not allow for it to pool in your ankles or feet.
- Swimming: This eliminates the effects of gravity and allows the blood to flow back to the heart, plus the kicking of the legs helps to contract the muscles of the calf, which pushes the blood towards the heart.
- Wear compression garments: Compression socks are specifically designed to improve blood flow by applying gentle, consistent pressure. The greatest amount of compression is at the ankle and the least is at the top of the garment. Finding the right fit is key. For medical grade compression you will need to be measured by a certified fitter to ensure that the sock is not too snug, but not too loose either. The sock should fit snug, feeling supportive yet comfortable. Like a gentle hug for your legs.
Come See Us!
At BioPed, we are all about empowering you to Do More in life. That is why we offer a range of compression leg garments and other foot care products to support your journey. So, whether you are chasing after your kids, crushing it at work, or exploring new adventures, don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of compression socks. Your legs will thank you, and who knows, you might find yourself doing more than ever before!
