Prevention & Recovery
Top Five Summer Survival Tips for Leg Pain
Prevention & Recovery
Top Five Summer Survival Tips for Leg Pain
Is the summer heat leaving you with heavy legs and swollen feet? Well, you are certainly not alone!
While most people are getting ready to hit the beach or take on a summer hike, for those living with Chronic Venous Disease (CVD), also called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), soaring temps are a common complaint as symptoms intensify and become more noticeable.
Why is the summer heat worse for chronic venous disease sufferers?
We know chronic venous disease is a result of poor blood circulation through the veins in your legs. Internal damage to the vein and defective valves cause blood to pool in the affected veins causing them to deteriorate even further. Unfortunately, exposure to high temperatures can cause veins to dilate, which means they expand and allow more blood to flow into the legs.
For those living with chronic venous disease, who are already experiencing pooling blood, this additional blood flow raises blood pressure within the veins and can also cause surrounding fluid to collect in the legs, resulting in even more swelling!
So with all this extra swelling, it’s no wonder people are feeling and seeing increased signs and symptoms in the legs: heaviness and fatigue; itchiness and discomfort; cramping and aching and even bulging veins (varicose veins).
Top Five Summer Survival Tips for Leg Pain
First things first. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms during the summer or any other time of the year, it could be a sign that you're suffering from chronic venous disease. There are medical options to treat chronic venous disease, but simple lifestyle changes and developing health habits are crucial in helping you manage this condition.
- Stay Hydrated – While the summer heat might have you reaching for a refreshing cocktail, it’s important to know that alcohol also causes blood vessels to dilate and can lead to dehydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and other fluids like, milk or juice. Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart pump blood through the blood vessels.
- Stay Cool – Avoid going outside during the hottest times of the day, or if you are outside try to stay in the shade. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate and expand.
- Take a Dip – Or a hike, or play some volleyball, or whatever other summer activity you enjoy – just keep moving! Simple exercises like swimming or even taking a walk can help pump the calf muscles and improve circulation.
- Relax & Elevate – Take a break and keep your legs elevated. Use a pillow, chair or lay on the floor with your legs elevated against the wall. This can help reduce swelling and increase blood circulation.
- Look for Extra Help! – Even if you are doing everything you can to change some of your lifestyle and health habits, you can always rely on venoactive products like Venixxa to help you along your journey. Venixxa is a natural health product, made from immature oranges, which is available over-the-counter in pharmacies and online. Taken orally, it helps relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate chronic venous disease such as heavy, painful and swollen legs, by improving venous tone, which in turn will help improve blood circulation in the veins.
If you think you are suffering from chronic venous disease, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider because only he can properly diagnose your condition
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