Do your legs hurt, do your feet and ankles swell, do you suffer from calf cramps and have you got enlarged swollen blue or dark purple veins on your legs? You, too, have most likely been afflicted with a disease of civilization that afflicts every third person. What we mean are varicose veins.

Varicose veins are ugly, often painful and itchy. Their origin is related to today's way of life. We are stressed, we sleep little, we eat poorly and we don't exercise much either. It is therefore not surprising that our body suffers from similar ailments.

What are the risk factors for varicose veins?

Varices, as varicose veins are called, are among the diseases of the venous system that afflict about 30-60% of people. They appear mainly on the lower limbs, their occurrence is affected by age and incorrect loading of the legs. The flow of blood is slowed down and blood accumulates in the veins. The veins widen; the venous walls loosen and protrude.

• Seniority
• Pregnancy
• Gender – Women suffer from varicose veins more often
• Overweight
• Genetic predispositions
• Diet
• Static load (long standing, sitting without occasional walks, etc.)

How to recognize venous insufficiency?

At first, it is more of a cosmetic problem that you may notice even at a young age. Over time, more health problems are added and the situation needs to be addressed.

• Feeling of heavy legs
• Swelling of the limbs and pain
• Weakening of the protective function of the skin which over time can lead to the formation of a shin ulcer.

How to fight varicose veins?

As we mentioned above, a bad lifestyle is to blame for the development of varicose veins. Lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, long standing or cross-legged sitting, wearing high heels and very tight clothes. Hormonal changes in the body and older age also increase the risk. Young children usually do not suffer from varicose veins, but in the group of people over the age of 60 they affect, according to statistics, every other person.

Prevention is the key

Those who have problems with veins, should wear compression stockings and exercise regularly. That is the best way to prevent the formation of varicose veins.

• Avoid sitting and standing for a long time.
• Eat a healthy diet, do not smoke, limit alcohol use.
• Wear low-heeled shoes and loose clothing.
• Try to lift your legs higher while sitting and sleeping, you will relieve the pressure on the veins and blood vessels.
• Get rid of your extra pounds.
• Get regular exercise.
• Shower the calves alternately with hot and cold water.

Our tip: Treat yourself to a regular limb massage with Horse Chestnut Cream

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) extracts are known to adjust the permeability of the vein wall and prevent swelling. Its secret lies in a substance called aescin which it contains. Other beneficial components are the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol which increase the resistance of the capillaries and improve the condition of the venous walls.

• Horse chestnut improves venous lymphatic circulation.
• It contributes to the flexibility and strength of blood vessel walls.
• It accelerates the absorption of blood clots.
• It strengthens veins.
• It has a positive effect on swelling, bruising and cramps in the legs.