High Heels and Vein Function

There is no way to get rid of varicose veins without treatment, but there are some things you can do to help manage pain and lessen the chance for your varicose veins to get worse. Drinking plenty of water, elevating your legs, and exercising regularly are great places to start, but did you know that the shoes you wear could affect your vein health too?

If your shoes are too stiff, too tight, or don’t offer enough support you could develop issues with your feet. Anything negatively affecting your feet or lower legs could eventually have negative effects on how blood flows through your legs.

Shoes that restrict your leg movement can be problematic for your veins as well. To encourage the flow of blood through your leg veins it’s crucial that your leg muscle pumps are able to pump blood back up to your heart. If your legs are restricted by your shoes then your leg muscle pump function is limited and venous pressure can increase in your lower legs. What types of shoes restrict leg movement and can keep your muscles from playing their part in blood circulation? High heels. Sorry to say, but your favorite pair of stiletto pumps might be limiting your leg muscle pumps.

So, what types of shoes should you wear to help with muscle pump function and varicose veins? Shoes that fit properly with a low heel and plenty of arch support are best. To ensure healthy blood circulation through your legs, be sure that your shoes have enough arch support so the pressure is distributed evenly throughout your feet and puts less stress on your legs. Make sure there is room in your shoes so your toes aren’t cramped and won’t be cramped if your feet swell throughout the day.

There are a lot of options these days for supportive shoes that are also fashionable, but if you just can’t bring yourself to give up high heels completely, wear them in moderation and be sure to include walking in flats in your daily routine.

Premier Surgical Associates is the largest General and Vascular Surgery group in East Tennessee and you will receive the highest quality of care while you there. All of the staff are knowledgeable and dedicated to ensuring you are comfortable, at ease, and well taken care of, call Dr. Eston Wenger of Premier Surgical Associates of Cleveland, TN, at (423) 472-5423 or click here to request an appointment online.