insideKENT Magazine Issue 69 - December 2017 | Page 127

HEALTH+WELLNESS
GET OUT
YOUR CHRISTMAS
STOCKINGS!
SOME PEOPLE LOVE THE WHIRLWIND OF
THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS – THERE’S
SHOPPING TO BE DONE, FOOD TO PREPARE
AND PARTIES GALORE. BUT IF YOU HAVE
TROUBLESOME VARICOSE VEINS, BEING ON
YOUR FEET ALL DAY CAN TAKE THE FUN OUT
OF THE FESTIVE SEASON. THE TEAM AT
COODEN MEDICAL GROUP’S CANTERBURY
CLINIC HAVE SOME TIPS FOR LOOKING
AFTER UNCOMFORTABLE LEGS CAUSED BY
VARICOSE VEINS.
Dr Mo Faris
Let’s be clear from the start – standing up for
long periods of time doesn’t cause varicose
veins, but if you already have them, spending
a lot of time on your feet can make the
symptoms worse.
Many people with varicose veins don’t have
any discomfort but others complain of aching,
heavy legs, and swollen feet and ankles.
Muscle cramps, particularly at night, are quite
common and some people find the skin over
the affected vein becomes dry and very itchy.
If this sounds like you then you may find that
doing some of the things below will help:
1. GET OUT YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
Wear compression stockings as much as
possible. While they may not look terribly
glamorous, they will help to prevent blood
from collecting in your veins, reducing pain
and swelling in your feet, legs and ankles.
2. PUT YOUR FEET UP
Try and take regular breaks to sit down and
put your feet up so they are the same level as
your hips – on the sofa or use a footstool. This
will allow blood that has pooled in your lower
legs to flow back up the vein. You could use
this time to do jobs like writing Christmas
cards, planning menus or shopping online
for presents and party outfits!
3. KEEP IT COOL IN THE BEDROOM
Many people find that they experience the
most discomfort at night time, with itchy,
throbbing legs preventing them from sleeping.
Although it’s tempting to crank up the central
heating and layer on your thickest duvet when
the nights are chilly, you will probably be more
comfortable and get a better night’s sleep if
you keep your bedroom as cool as possible.
4. DON’T BE A CINDERELLA
You can still go to the ball but ditch the glass
slippers in favour of flattish, comfortable shoes.
Your feet and legs will thank you for it and if
you wear something long like a maxi dress or
palazzo pants, then you can wear your
compression stockings underneath too!
5. DO SOME EXERCISE
While being more active feels like the last thing
you need, gentle exercise such as walking,
yoga or Pilates can be good for varicose vein
symptoms. It can also help if you do some
simple exercises like rotating your ankles and
flexing your feet whenever you are sitting
down.
If your symptoms are bothering you it might
be time to consider having your varicose veins
treated. Modern treatments are very effective
and are done in the comfort of a clinic – you
don’t need to go to hospital or have a general
anaesthetic and you will be back on your feet
immediately after the procedure.
For further information visit
www.coodenmedicalgroup.com
The Cooden Medical Group Canterbury Clinic
All Health Matters
Orchard Close Mews
Orchard Street
Canterbury
CT2 8AP
01227 903038
[e-mail]
coodenmedicalgroup.com/clinics/
canterbury
CoodenMedical
coodenmedicalgroup
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