14 Sep Are your legs tired?
Are your legs tired?
Many of us walk around day after day, not realizing the toll it takes on our legs. We’re running, jumping, squatting and putting endless miles on our lower limbs. Most of us don’t realize our legs are tired and achy or we’re use to the pain. Blood circulation is possible based on three major components: your heart, arteries and veins. Your vascular system works hard all day to keep your body energized and keep your blood circulating. People in all stages of life are at risk of developing venous disorders. If you have tired, aching legs or swollen ankles after sitting or maybe even standing for a period of time, it’s possible you may have a venous disorder. Vein problems can occur many different ways. Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Varicose Veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT’s) are some examples. For many years doctors have been prescribing compression therapy to help with vein issues. Compression therapy helps decrease venous pressure and helps prevent venous stasis and impairments. Compression stockings are used not only to help increase circulation, but also to help prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower legs. There are many ways to maintain good leg health:
1. Elevating feet and legs: When resting elevate your feet above your heart keeping your knees slightly bent so you don’t inhibit blood flow.
2. Move your feet: When sitting or standing for long periods of time, especially when traveling, move your toes or flex your feet to help improve blood flow.
3. Wear gradient compression stockings or socks.
Compression therapy comes in many different strengths and it’s always best to speak with your physician to see what strength would be best for you. The strength of a stocking is measured by millimeters of mercury, don’t worry there is no actual mercury in your stocking! It is a manometric unit of pressure. Compression therapy socks are usually gradient, the heaviest pressure is at your ankle then it works its way up to the lightest amount of pressure either to your knee, thigh or waist. At Wallace Home Medical Supplies we are trained to properly measure you for the appropriate stocking or sock. Our staff will show you easy techniques and assistive devices to help put the stockings on. Feel free to visit us at our San Luis Obispo location at 12310 Los Osos Valley Rd, or call us at (805) 543-5966 with any questions. We are here and happy to help.