You probably know that varicose veins are the dark, protruding rope-like veins under your skin and that the health of your veins is important. But did you know that the shoes you wear every day play an essential role in promoting proper circulation? Find out what standards your shoes should meet and learn about the different types of shoes suitable for veins.
How do shoes help?
Not all shoes are created equal. If you have venous insufficiency, tight shoes make your feet feel worse. Narrow shoes can be a major cause of poor blood circulation in the feet and can be a factor in the development of venous diseases or varicose veins. They can also lead to a variety of other leg problems, including pain, blisters, and bunions. Since the problems that occur in the lower legs and feet can eventually affect the way blood flows throughout the body, it is important to take the time when choosing the best shoes.
Vault maintenance
Make sure that the shoes you decide to wear provide you with sufficient support for the arch. This helps to distribute pressure across the leg, reduces leg pain, provides balance and stability, and improves your posture.
Insoles
An insole that is specially designed along the arch of the foot and has an extra pillow and will support your foot when it bends, thus putting less pressure and stress on your feet. The weight will be distributed more evenly when you walk or run, reducing the chance of overloading muscles or directing weight incorrectly. If you have quality shoes that you like, but lack a nice insole, you do not need to buy completely new shoes! Purchase orthopedic insoles to increase support and improve adhesion.
Flat or low current
Studies have shown that high heels can inhibit the function of the muscle pump, and can also increase venous pressure in the lower legs. High heels interfere with our natural walking process and therefore cause the blood to unite in the leg. When wearing low-heeled shoes, you tone and strengthen the calf muscles. Toned muscles improve blood flow back through your legs. Save high heels for special occasions, and when you need to wear them, limit wearing them to short periods of time. Always take with you flat or low-heeled shoes to change them at the earliest opportunity.
Flexibility
Don’t make a habit of wearing hard, uncomfortable shoes that don’t move with your feet like high-heeled shoes, platforms, or men’s formal shoes with a hard sole. When shopping for shoes, take the time to walk around the store and test how comfortable they are! With each step, the shoe should be contoured along your foot.
The next step
Although choosing the right for veins is an excellent step towards investing in the health of the veins or controlling the daily pain, it will not eliminate the already existing varicose veins. I, Dr. Shah, will gladly answer your questions and concerns, prepare an assessment regarding the health of your veins so that you know which treatment is best for you. If you have varicose veins or questions about the health of your veins, call us.