Experts warn that you should be examined by a vascular surgeon if you have complaints such as pain and swelling in your feet starting at the end of the day, itching in your ankles or burning on the soles of your feet. Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Barış Çaynak talked about 5 risk factors for varicose veins…
GENETIC
The cause of varicose veins is 70% genetic.
GENDER
Varicose veins are more common in women.
PREGNANCY
Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, increased pressure in the uterus and increased blood volume in the body during pregnancy; can trigger the formation of varicose veins.
INACTIVITY
In some occupational groups, it is possible to work immobile for a long time with the feet stationary. Since the leg muscles will not work when standing or sitting, those who work in some professions (teacher, pilot, stewardess, doctor, nurse, secretary, officer) are also among those with the risk of varicose veins.
HEELED SHOES
Is our choice of shoes a factor in varicose veins? Of course, shoes are an important factor for varicose veins. Because shoes affect your leg muscles. Assuming we are not walking, pressure builds up on our feet when we step on flat ground. This also affects our muscles. In this case, flat feet are also more at risk for varicose veins. So, how should we wear shoes? We need to find a shoe that will apply equal pressure to the sole of the foot.
There is no difference between wedge heels and stilettos. Every time you wear high-heeled shoes, the pressure on the sole of the foot increases and a physiological posture does not occur in the body. In this case, you put most of your weight on your fingertips. Since you cannot fully use the arch and heel of the foot, the muscles stay tight and the muscle pump loses its power. The muscle that should be loose is literally contracting. Pressure is not evenly distributed on the sole of the foot. This paves the way for the formation of varicose veins.
WALK EVEN WHEN TIRED
Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Barış Çaynak made suggestions to prevent varicose veins:
- Get rid of your excess weight.
- Do not sit or stand still for long periods of time.
- Walk at regular intervals.
- Do not wear high heels all the time, rest your feet in between.
- Do not wear tight clothing.
- Wear compression stockings.
- Consume plenty of water.
Do not stay for a long time in hot environments such as saunas and baths, take a cold shower on your legs.
Do sports, especially pilates, yoga, swimming and most importantly, walk even when you are tired. Work your leg muscles.