The Benefits of Elevating Your Legs
If you have swollen legs, gravity is not your friend. When maintaining a standing or sitting position, the veins in your legs need to work harder. This is because your veins need to send blood back to your heart against gravity. Over time, this situation can place a chronic strain on your veins. This usually leads to damage and the development of vein disease.
When veins become damaged, they start to malfunction. As a result, you may experience painful symptoms like leg swelling, cramping, itching, and fatigue. If you are suffering from these issues, you may want to try elevating your legs throughout the day. Sleeping with your legs elevated may also be a benefit to you.
Proper leg elevation can:
Provide pain relief
Relieve pressure on your veins
Reduce swelling
Promote better blood flow
Help prevent varicose and spider veins
Reduce your risks of dangerous blood clots and venous ulcers
How Should I Elevate My Legs?
There are several easy ways to elevate your legs and relieve your vein pain and swelling. We recommend trying the following methods:
Lie flat on your back on a bed. Place several pillows lengthwise under your feet and legs.
Lie flat on your back on the floor. Place several pillows lengthwise under your feet and legs.
Lie flat on your back on the floor. Prop your feet and lower your legs up on a sofa or chair.
From a sitting position, place your feet and legs on a nearby chair or footstool. Add pillows if needed for greater elevation.
How Long Should You Elevate Your Feet and Legs?
No matter which option you choose from above, it’s important to maintain your position long enough to stimulate improved blood flow in the legs. We suggest keeping your legs above the heart for at least 20 minutes each session, two or more times per day.
Some people ask, can you elevate your legs too much? Although you may be tempted to keep your legs propped up all day long, there’s one major problem with this to note: prolonged standing or sitting should be avoided. Getting enough physical activity each day is important for your vein health. Exercise can promote better blood circulation, alleviate painful symptoms, and help you avoid additional health issues.
We recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, five days per week. This will benefit not only your veins, but also your heart, lungs, and overall health. If you are currently inactive, be sure to discuss your exercise plans with your doctor before starting.
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.