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Your Shoes And Varicose Veins

Most of us have suffered for fashion at some point, but in some cases your wardrobe choices can cause more than just fleeting pain. That perfect pair of shoes might look amazing, but they could be contributing to your issues with varicose veins.

Varicose veins and spider veins are a sign of too much pressure on your legs. These ropey veins just beneath the surface of your skin are the result of chronic venous insufficiency, when your veins become damaged and blood pools in your legs. While many people associate their occurrence with aging, that is not the only reason they appear. One of the biggest risk factors is for people who work jobs that require long hours on their feet. For this reason, choosing the right shoe to wear is of utmost importance.

IF THE SHOE FITS

Not all feet are created equal, and your foot shape and features will determine the type of shoe that will best support you. Consider two main factors when thinking about foot shape: if they are narrow, standard, or wide, and whether you have high or low arches. Once you determine these two things, you’ll know what types of shoes to buy to offer you the best support. In general, simple shoes with a low heel work best for most people.

WHY ARE HIGH HEELS A PROBLEM?

Yes, high heels can contribute to the development of or worsen varicose veins. They look great, but they aren’t so great for our health. The reason health experts single out high heels in particular is because of the way they interfere with our natural walking motions. The venous system combines pumps, pipes, and valves to facilitate blood flow. Walking utilizes the foot and calf pump, which move blood up the leg veins, helped along by one-way valves to move blood back up to the heart. High heels interrupt this natural process, causing pooling of venous blood in the leg.

We know you may love your heels, so we’re not suggesting you ditch them altogether – just save them for special occasions and go for a shorter heel.

SUPPORT WITH COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

Compression socks or stockings can do wonders for those with vein disease, and, in fact, we recommend our patients wear them post-procedure. They help alleviate symptoms of venous insufficiency and help keep legs healthy after treatment.

We want you to love your legs, so if you are dealing with leg pain and/or varicose veins, give Alate Health a call today. We are your Houston vein specialistsdedicated to making a difference in the way you feel.

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