Top tips for caring for your legs
In addition to wearing your Scholl compression stockings and socks there is plenty more you can do to keep your legs happier and healthier:
1. Walk or exercise regularly
This will help your calf muscles to pump blood up your veins. (Always check with your doctor or nurse before making a change to your exercise regimen.)
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Drink plenty of water and include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet to help prevent constipation – straining to go to the toilet can push blood downwards into your legs, making vein problems worse.
3. Try to lose weight if you are overweight
Being overweight puts extra stress on your veins, so if you need to lose some pounds ask your doctor or nurse for advice on a suitable weight loss plan.
4. Look after your skin
If you have dry skin apply a bland moisturising cream. This will keep the skin on your legs and feet supple.
5. Look at your legs and feet regularly
Watch out for any changes in colour or sores. Use a mirror or ask a friend to help you to look round the back of your legs. Contact your doctor or nurse if:
- your stocking seems tighter than before,
- your toes feel numb, cold or if they change colour,
- your leg feels itchy, hot or painful,
- there are any new sore or oozing patches on your legs.
6. Take care of your toenails
If you need help, see a chiropodist or podiatrist for foot and nail care. If you look after your own nails, be particularly careful not to damage the skin surrounding them.
7. Wear comfortable shoes
Make sure what you wear does not damage your feet or shorten the life of your compression stockings or socks. Be careful that your shoes do not rub.
8. Avoid extreme temperatures
Extreme heat and cold can damage fragile skin so avoid hot baths, hot water bottles and sitting too close to a fire or heater.
9. Always attend your doctor’s/out-patients’ appointments
It is important that the health of your legs is regularly monitored so action can be taken quickly to help prevent further damage.
10. Wear your Scholl compression stockings and socks on both legs
If you have problems with the veins in one leg it is likely that the other may eventually be affected too, so Scholl recommends that you protect your legs by wearing Scholl compression stockings and socks on both legs. Always, however, follow the advice of your healthcare professional.
11. Wear your Scholl compression stockings and socks every day
Problems with your veins do not go away, so to look after your legs always wear your Scholl compression stockings and socks, every day.