Footwear for Varicose Veins
Did you know that the shoes you wear every day play a major role in having proper circulation? Without proper circulation, varicose veins can develop. Varicose veins are the dark, bulging, rope-like cords underneath your skin. Your vein health is very important and there are certain standards your shoes should meet to maintain good vein health.
How Can Shoes Help My Vein Issues?
Not all shoes are created equal. If you have vein insufficiency, restrictive shoes make it feel worse. Restrictive shoes can be a large cause of poor circulation in your legs and feet, and they can be a factor in developing venous diseases or varicose veins. They can also lead to a variety of other foot issues, including pain, blisters and bunions. Since problems that occur in the lower legs and feet can ultimately influence how blood flows in the body, it’s important that you take the time to research the best shoes to wear.
Arch Support
Having good arch support is important to prioritize. Make sure that the shoes you choose to wear provide you with enough arch support. This helps distribute pressure throughout your foot, lessens foot pain, provides balance and stability and improves your posture.
Insoles
An insole that’s specifically catered to your arch and your foot gives you extra cushion and will assist your arch when it flexes which then places less pressure and stress on your legs. Weight will be more evenly distributed when you walk or run, reducing the chance that you’ll overuse muscles or place weight incorrectly. If you have quality shoes that you enjoy but lack support, you don’t have to buy a brand new pair of shoes! Instead, purchase orthotic insoles to increase the support and improve the fit.
Flat or Low Heel
Studies have shown that high heels can impede muscle pump function, and they can also raise venous pressure in the lower legs. High heels interfere with our natural walking process and because of that, they cause blood to pool in the leg. When you wear shoes with a low heel, you tone and strengthen your calf muscles. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, toned muscles improve blood flow back up through your legs. Save high heels for special occasions, and when you do have to wear them, limit it to short periods of time. Always pack a change of flats or low-heeled shoes.
Flexibility
Don’t make it a habit of wearing stiff, uncomfortable shoes that don’t move with your feet like high heels, wedges, and men’s dress shoes. When shopping for shoes, take the time to walk around the store and test how comfortably they fit or don’t fit! With every step, your shoe should contour to your foot.
Taking Your Next Step
While choosing vein-friendly footwear is a great step toward investing in your vein health or managing everyday pain, it won’t totally eliminate already existing varicose veins. Schedule a consultation with our vein specialists today to discuss your next steps.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.