The key facts

  • At least a third of the world's population lives with varicose veins, and many seek medical help only at late stages
  • The main risk for those who work standing is the monotony of the load: the calf muscles acting as a 'pump' barely contract
  • The doctor advises toe raises every hour, short walks, and elevating the legs during rest

A common disease with late diagnosis

Varicose veins are one of the most widespread conditions: at least a third of the world's population lives with its symptoms, and many seek medical help only at late stages, when conservative treatment is less effective. This was reported to Gazeta.Ru by Doctor of Medical Sciences Pavel Trakhtman, head of the transfusiology department at the Dmitry Rogachev Children's Medical Center and expert of the '+Ya' project.

Why those who work 'on their feet' suffer

Varicose veins are a pathological change in the venous walls: vessels lose elasticity, dilate, the valves stop working properly, and blood stagnates. Among the main risk factors, the doctor named hereditary predisposition, prolonged sitting or standing, heavy lifting, and excess body weight.

First symptoms

For salespeople, hairdressers, surgeons, waiters, and teachers, the main enemy, according to the specialist, is precisely the monotony of the load: during hours of standing in place, the calf muscles barely contract, even though they act as a 'pump' that pushes venous blood toward the heart against gravity. Without this, pressure in the veins rises, and the vessel walls gradually lose tone.

What the doctor recommends

The first symptoms are easy to mistake for ordinary fatigue: heaviness in the legs by evening, ankle swelling that disappears after sleep, nighttime calf cramps, itching, burning, a feeling of 'bursting' along the veins, and spider veins on the skin. If at least one of these bothers you regularly, it is a reason to see a phlebologist.

What the doctor recommends

'A simple exercise — rising onto your toes and slowly lowering down, 15–20 repetitions every hour — effectively activates venous outflow. If possible, try not to stand in place for several hours in a row: take short walks every 45–60 minutes. During rest, it is useful to raise your legs above the level of the heart: if you are lying on the couch, place a pillow or a roll under your outstretched legs for 15–20 minutes,' Trakhtman advises.

Footwear, clothing, and lifestyle

The doctor also suggested paying special attention to footwear and clothing: comfortable shoes that allow easy foot movement are optimal, while tight shoes, tight elastic bands on socks and trousers, and narrow cuts impair venous outflow. He also recommended maintaining a proper drinking regimen and a balanced diet, monitoring weight as a significant risk factor, and protecting the veins from overheating — avoiding excessive use of hot baths, banya, and sauna.