Vein health: Varicose veins and heat: 7 tips for summer days
Varicose veins often cause heavy legs and swelling in the luggage - especially on warm days. What a blessing then? Give the compression stockings a short trip to the specialist.
For individuals grappling with venous issues due to varicose veins, concerns arise about navigating hot days while staying comfortable. Siamak Pourhassan, a vascular surgeon and member of the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine, offers seven tips to make the most of summer days with heavy legs.
Firstly, consider dipping your legs in cold water. Direct the water stream upwards from your feet towards your heart. This action causes the vessels to constrict, known as "Kneipp squeezes." Secondly, incorporate movement into your routine. Wiggling your feet from heals to toes or taking short walks helps promote blood flow back to the heart, potentially reducing swelling.
Thirdly, periodically elevating your feet can aid in blood circulation. This simple act assists in the efficient return of blood to the heart. Fourthly, ensure adequate hydration throughout the day. Aim for at least two liters of water or unsweetened tea. This practice maintains fluidity in the blood, thereby relieving pressure on the vessels.
Fifthly, opt for light meals comprising vegetables. Such dietary choices prevent unnecessary strain on the body. Sixthly, consider wearing compression stockings, preferably lighter summer variants made of functional fibers. These garments draw sweat away from the skin and store it within the fibers, leading to a cooling effect upon evaporation.
For an added cooling effect, briefly soak your stockings in the refrigerator or freezer before wearing. Lastly, utilize a water trick for instant relief. Fill a small spray bottle with chilled tap water and mist your stockings directly at the ankle while on the go.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
