FAQs for healthy legs

Steps to healthy legs 2/2

Q) What treatment options are there for my legs?

A) There are various products which you can use to treat your leg issues such as natural products based on venoactive ingredients as the extract from red vine leaves (containing flaven), horse chestnut seed extract (containing aescin) or butcher's broom rootstock extract (containing ruscogenin) which help aid with circulation and varicose veins. Moreover using support / compression stockings or topical applications such as creams, gels and sprays offer relief to leg complaints. Sports creams help with joint problems and muscle strains, cosmetic creams improve skin issues. Please ask your pharmacist for further information on the best treatment for you.

Q) How can I stop my legs from feeling painful when I'm at work?

A) If you are worried that you spending too much time sitting or standing, there are some steps that you can take to give your legs a helping hand. During work time, remember to move around at least once every hour and make sure you do a few seated and standing leg stretches. If your job involves lots of lifting or kneeling, give yourself a short break at regular intervals. Also, choose comfortable clothes and shoes that are not too tight and allow plenty of movement and think about individually tailored compression stockings if you already have varicose veins.

In addition, remember to sit straight, with both feet on the ground and avoid crossing your legs or slouching, try to avoid getting too cold or too hot - both extremes are bad for your legs.

Q) I have had leg problems for a while. Is it OK for me to fly?

A) All the reports in the media about the link between thrombosis and flying are enough to make anyone worried. However, it's important to realize that only long-haul flights lasting eight hours or more are potentially dangerous. The best advice is to wear comfortable clothes, drink plenty of still mineral water, avoid drinking alcohol, move around occasionally or do five minutes of exercises every hour. If you are worried about clots wear travel socks / compression stockings during the flight. Further to this taking half an aspirin just before your flight will also help with you blood flow (please consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions)

Please see attached link to a study on travelers thrombosis published on the internet.
http://www.jscurr.com/StudySummary.htm

Q) I am pregnant and my legs are often swollen is this normal?

A) Unfortunately, swollen legs and varicose veins are very common during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes and the pressure of the womb on the veins of the legs. You can cut down on the risk of developing varicose veins by wearing compression stockings during the day, putting your feet up frequently and doing specific exercises. Please also ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice!