Not only in the summertime our legs run hot. Winter can also be a strain on the veins: Endless lines at the winter sales or gift shopping, standing at the Christmas market, underfloor heating or weight gain are real strains for the veins. Added to this is a winter lack of exercise: rain, snow and sleet showers do not tempt everyone to take regular walks. Even the “at least once a week sports discipline” falters in the cold and gloomy season. We explain where winter traps lurk for veins and give you 10 helpful tips for taking care of them.
What is the function of our veins?
Veins take oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues and carry it back to the heart against the force of gravity. In the legs, the veins get help from muscle pumps. When the leg muscles contract, they exert pressure on the deep veins and thus transport the blood toward the heart. When the leg muscles relax, venous valves prevent the blood from flowing back, i.e., not toward the heart.
How do strained veins develop?
Frequent standing, possibly in tight boots, damages the calf muscle pump, which transports blood back to the heart against the force of gravity. It’s no wonder that small niches form in the blood vessels as a result, where the blood “takes short breaks.” The venous valves then no longer close properly. As a result, the blood does not flow into the deep venous system, but instead pools in the superficial veins. This volume load causes the superficial veins to dilate: The vein walls slacken, wear out and lose elasticity and strength.
Vein problems due to lack of exercise
Especially when it’s wet and cold outside, the sofa and armchair beckon more than exercise. But this coziness brings problems for our veins: active muscle work in the legs supports the veins in their task of transporting blood back to the heart against the force of gravity. However, the venous valves depend on well-trained muscles. If this leaves something to be desired, there is also a risk of sagging veins.
How do strained veins manifest themselves?
Cosmetically unsightly, but usually harmless are small, superficial spider veins. However, they can already be signs of damage to the deeper veins. If larger, superficial vessels are also affected, one speaks of varicose veins. These are often accompanied by tired legs, swelling, a feeling of tightness and tingling in the legs, sometimes also by itching and nightly calf cramps. Frequent standing and sitting additionally lead to overstretching due to the pressure of the blood on the vein walls. The first signs of phlebitis are:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat and
- Pain
The role of obesity in vein problems
Excess weight is not only a burden on our heart health, but also on our veins. Cookies, marzipan, Christmas goose, New Year’s Eve fondue and then carnival doughnuts – combined with a lack of exercise and movement, they lead to weight gain in most cases. A healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grain products helps to reduce excess weight and ultimately benefits our veins.
Barefoot in the snow instead of heat accumulation
Fancy boots – preferably knee-high – are eye-catching, to be sure. But they don’t turn on our veins. On the contrary: a high shaft edge literally constricts the leg. If high heels are added to this, the natural rolling of the foot is impeded when walking, which is disadvantageous for the function of the veins. High heels impair the return of blood to the heart, since the foot and calf muscles are hindered in their work by this footwear. Vein experts also warn against overheated rooms, especially underfloor heating, in combination with long periods of sitting or standing. Support tights can at least be a help for people who have to stand a lot, such as sales assistants in overheated department stores. Anyone who often suffers from swollen and aching legs in winter should turn down the heating a little. This not only protects the environment, but also the veins!
10 Tips for the care of veins
- Treading water à la Kneipp in cold water and alternating showers do the veins good. The alternative for the winter: Walking barefoot in the snow for a short time strengthens the body’s defenses and boosts vein function (after which it’s okay to take a warm foot bath).
- Excess weight puts strain on the veins and should therefore be avoided.
- Drink a lot is important!
- Vein-friendly sports such as swimming or cycling promotes blood flow.
- Climb stairs instead of using the elevator – this also applies to the shopping marathon in the department store.
- Put your legs up as often as possible.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
- Do not cross your legs when sitting, otherwise the veins will be squeezed.
- Tight boots or shoes with high heels impair blood flow.
- Avoid too much heat, such as from prolonged sunbathing or heat buildup from overheated rooms or underfloor heating.
