As mentioned in the section on varicose veins – a widespread disease and its causes, the predisposition to vein problems is largely genetic. Nevertheless, there are ways to prevent varicose veins and spider veins by wearing the right clothing, wearing suitable shoes, eating a balanced diet and exercising. We have summarized the most important findings here:
Sport and plenty of exercise
Exercising the leg muscles has a positive effect on the peripheral venous pumps and decongests the legs. Walking exercises should be carried out as quickly as possible and preferably on forest paths. Jogging on soft ground is also beneficial. Sports such as swimming and cycling are ideal because they relieve the body weight.
Shoes and clothing
With high heels, the peripheral venous pump practically stops working. As a result, feet and legs swell. Flat shoes, especially sports shoes, are more suitable. Constrictive clothing should also be avoided. Compression stockings provide significant relief for congestion problems during the day.
Nutrition and medicines
A high-fiber diet aids digestion and is also ideal for vein problems. This is because chronic constipation has a detrimental effect on the drainage of the pelvic veins. There are also natural remedies whose effectiveness has been proven in multiple studies. These so-called phytopharmaceuticals include the seeds of horse chestnut, butcher’s broom and sweet clover. However, the costs of these are not usually reimbursed by health insurance companies.
Sunbathing and traveling
The tendency to swell is greater with venous circulatory disorders. There is therefore an increased risk of thrombosis, especially on long bus and plane journeys. To avoid this, you should drink as much as possible, exercise and possibly wear compression stockings. On summer vacations, it is advisable to regularly cool your legs in water. Exposure to the sun itself is not harmful, but intense heat is.
Further preventive measures
It is also helpful to elevate your legs for around 20 minutes, preferably at lunchtime. Kneipp showers also have a positive effect. They stimulate the blood vessels to contract and thus reduce venous capacity. It is ideal to shower your legs again with cold water in the evening.
Read more: Venous medicine
