It often feels like a leg cramp or sore muscles. Sometimes it's just a swelling in the leg.
Photo: iStock
- Risk factor "thick blood"
- To keep moving
- Help from nature
- Kneipp cure at home
It could also be thrombosis.
It starts harmlessly. But if the symptoms are unilateral, the skin also gets hot, discolored and bluish, you should consult a doctor quickly. It could be a thrombosis - a blood clot that clogs the veins like a plug. This usually occurs (90 percent) in the leg veins and can be life-threatening if left untreated . Fortunately, however, we can protect ourselves well - if we know the causes and prevent them accordingly.
Risk factor "thick blood"
There are several triggering factors for thrombosis . One of these is a slowed blood flow, which promotes a "sticking" of the platelets. He can arise z. B. by untreated varicose veins. Longer periods of inactivity (eg bed-rest, long, cramped sitting) or heart failure can also be reasons. The risk is also greater by "thick blood" - that is, an increased tendency to clot . This may be congenital, but also the result of diabetes, obesity, smoking or simply lack of fluids. A significant risk factor is also the age . Because often the vascular walls of older people show small damages, at which light clots form. In addition, the elasticity of the veins decreases over the years. Therefore, you should pay special attention to the following precautionary measures from the age of 50 onwards.
To keep moving
When you sit for a long time, you can always get up and walk a few steps or at least you can rock your feet . The muscle work helps to move the blood in the veins faster. Avoid everything "constricting": Knee socks with too tight waistband or chairs with raised front edge. On air or road trips lasting more than four hours, it is important to wear vein stockings . These easily squeeze the vessels together, accelerating blood flow and preventing thrombosis . The ideal sport is swimming: movement and water pressure mobilize the vessels. And very important: drink a lot (at least 1.5-2 liters daily). It dilutes the blood and prevents clots.
Help from nature
French winegrowers rarely get vein problems. Because the red vine leaves, which they traditionally use for envelopes, contains vascular-strengthening plant substances. Equally effective: concentrate these active ingredients as a tablet (pharmacy). Natural help is also provided by clover, which improves the fluidity of the blood (as a tea or drops from the pharmacy). When it comes to nutrition, it is particularly important to pay attention to a sufficient intake of vitamin K, which regulates blood clotting. The daily requirement (60-80 μg) is already covered with two potatoes or a mini-portion of green vegetables (eg Brussels sprouts or broccoli).
Kneipp cure at home
Also, water is an ideal fit for the veins - eg as a cold cast: Drive slowly with a cold water jet from the toes on the outside of the leg up to the popliteal fossa and back on the inside. Hot applications such as baths or sauna visits, however, better avoid, especially if there is already a venous insufficiency. Anyone who suffers from varicose veins should have them examined by a doctor. They can increase the risk of thrombosis considerably.
