I work as a salesperson and have varicose veins in my legs. During Tet (Vietnamese New Year), I stand a lot, which makes the condition worse. How can I improve it? (Ngoc Ai, 39 years old).
Reply:
Lower extremity varicose veins (veins in the legs) are a condition where blood in the venous system stagnates in the legs, not returning to the heart as it normally would. This increases pressure within the veins, causing them to dilate.
As a result, patients experience heaviness in the legs, aching, swelling, numbness, tingling, and nighttime cramps. The disease can lead to eczema, non-healing leg ulcers, etc., making treatment prolonged and difficult.
The disease is common in older adults, but it is increasingly affecting younger people and is more prevalent in women. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the ultimate consequence is a reduced quality of life.
Excessive walking and wearing high heels frequently can worsen varicose veins in the legs. (Image: Freepik)
Many risk factors contribute to varicose veins in the legs, such as old age and being overweight or obese. However, the most common is prolonged sitting or standing. During the Lunar New Year holiday, varicose veins can worsen, especially in women, due to prolonged standing while cooking, intense housework, shopping, carrying heavy loads, and the habit of wearing high heels.
You suffer from varicose veins in your legs due to the nature of your job requiring you to stand for long periods. Therefore, during the Lunar New Year holiday, you can apply the following measures to improve this condition.
Avoid standing or sitting for too long : When cleaning the house, preparing food for guests, or chatting with friends, be careful not to stand or sit for extended periods. You can walk around, stand up, and change positions to prevent your legs from going numb. Limit postures that hinder venous blood flow in your legs, such as squatting or sitting with your legs crossed.
Wear comfortable shoes : You should choose shoes that fit well, with heels that aren't too high, and are convenient for walking. If you wear high heels when visiting relatives during Tet, you should bring a pair of sandals to change into if you have to walk a long distance.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants: Choose comfortable, soft clothing to keep blood circulation in your legs from being restricted.
Wear compression stockings: You should use medical compression stockings to improve blood circulation in your legs. Stockings that provide pressure from the foot to the knee will keep your legs comfortable during long walks.
Elevate your legs when sitting or sleeping : This helps improve blood circulation and reduces the risk of varicose veins. When lying down, you can elevate your legs for a few minutes to help blood flow back to the heart. People who have to sit in cars for long periods to travel home should elevate their legs higher than usual and use compression stockings to prevent the condition.
Weight management: If you are overweight or obese, you should lose weight scientifically . During Tet (Lunar New Year), you need to avoid greasy foods, sweets, alcoholic beverages, and sugary soft drinks. Instead, prioritize foods rich in vitamins, fiber, whole grains, fish oil, and drink enough water every day.
Moderate exercise : Daily routines change significantly during Tet (Lunar New Year). However, you should schedule time for exercise, especially leg exercises, to strengthen blood vessel walls and prevent varicose veins.
Dr. Tran Quoc Hoai
Cardiology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City
| Readers can post questions about cardiovascular diseases here for doctors to answer. |
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