What causes swollen feet?

When we do not move for a long time, working in an office, sitting in a car or being in an airplane, the muscles of the legs do not contract, and therefore do not contribute to blood flow. This becomes the cause of blood stagnation in the veins of the lower limbs. Which, in turn, can cause pain, heaviness, fatigue in the legs and swelling.

Phlebologist surgeon of the First professional network of orthopedic salons ORTEKA

Swelling is a symptom of an improperly functioning venous system. If it is ignored, you can provoke or aggravate the development of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Why do my legs swell?

Blood moves through the blood vessels first from the heart to the tissues and organs – filling them with oxygen and nutrients. It then travels back to the heart, carrying metabolic waste products and carbon dioxide. In this case, arteries are responsible for the movement of blood from the heart, and veins – for the return outflow to it.

Blood flows through the veins of the lower limbs from the bottom to the top. Its proper movement is controlled by valves that keep the blood flowing in one direction to the heart at a relatively low pressure in the veins. The largest number of these valves are located in the veins of the legs, particularly in the lower leg. Their work depends on muscle contractions, which stimulate the movement of blood. This mechanism is called the muscle-venous pump of the lower leg.

Armen: When we don’t move for a long time, when we work in an office, sit in a car or are in an airplane, the leg muscles don’t contract and therefore don’t contribute to blood flow. This becomes the cause of blood stagnation in the veins of the lower extremities. Which causes pain, heaviness, fatigue in the legs and swelling.

To take care of leg health during long journeys helps “smart” compression knitwear. These are special medical devices that recognize situations when the venous system of the lower limbs needs support. They help to eliminate pain and swelling, get rid of the feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the legs.

Armen: Compression knitwear exerts a strictly defined pressure on the surface of the legs. It is distributed unevenly over the leg: from the maximum value in the ankle area to the minimum in the lower leg or thigh area, depending on whether it is socks, stockings or tights.

This pressure stimulates the venous system of the legs. Blood circulates better, stagnation and conditions for the formation of edema disappear.

Armen: Since the blood in the leg veins moves from bottom to top, it is useful to keep the legs above the level of the heart. You can periodically sit with your feet on the table, because this posture promotes blood flow. Also, to prevent vein diseases, you need to adhere to a proper lifestyle. Sports improves muscle function and blood circulation in general. Moderate exercise in the fitness room, walking, running, swimming and similar activities help prevent swelling and other vein problems.