Traveler’s Thrombosis – Red Blotches on Ankles or Calves

Traveler’s Thrombosis – Red Blotches on Ankles or Calves

Traveler’s thrombosis, also known as economy class syndrome or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a medical condition that can occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, after prolonged periods of sitting, such as during air travel or car rides.

Spring and summer often bring travel adventures. Many of us will go to our local airport, check in, go through the standard security measures, and board an airplane for an exciting new destination.

If you have ever travelled for prolonged periods of time, you may have experienced red blotches on your ankles of calves. You’re not alone. This is commonly referred to as Traveler’s thrombosis.

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT, refers to a condition where blood clots form in the leg veins. This may occur in any situation where there is prolonged pooling of blood in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis.

 

How blood clots form in the legs

 

This common for bed-bound persons and those who sit for long periods of time in chairs, cars, trains, or airplanes.

If a clot, or portion of a blood clot becomes detached from the vein, this process is called venous thromboembolism or VTE.

In very few cases a clot, or portion of the blood clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, or PE.

This can present as a serious condition, as it is possible for a large embolism to travel in the bloodstream and block a major artery or blood vessel in your lung and can result in death.

Pulmonary embolisms are rare in airline travelers, occurring only in 0.4 million airline passengers. For those passengers experiencing PE, it is fatal about 2% of the time.

Personal risk factors can play a role in the incidence of VTE. Other conditions, like duration of flight and a person’s degree of immobility during the flight, can increase the risk.

 

woman traveling on airplane

 

Risk factors and symptoms of Traveler’s Thrombosis

The risk of developing traveler’s thrombosis increases when you have additional risk factors such as obesity, pregnancy, smoking, taking birth control pills, or having a history of blood clots.

Symptoms of traveler’s thrombosis can include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. In some cases, the clot may break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism.

To reduce the risk of traveler’s thrombosis, it is recommended to take frequent breaks and walk around during long flights, wear compression stockings or socks, and stay hydrated.

 

Compression socks on a woman’s legs

 

It’s also important to talk to a healthcare provider before traveling if there are additional risk factors present.

If you have red blotches on your ankles and legs after air travel, it is recommended that you seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Leg and foot swelling during air travel

Leg and foot swelling during air travel is a common problem and is often caused by a combination of factors related to sitting for extended periods of time and the low cabin pressure in airplanes.

 

Airplane in the clouds

 

During air travel, the lower cabin pressure can cause fluid to shift from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Additionally, sitting in a cramped position for a prolonged period can cause blood to pool in the legs, further exacerbating the swelling.

Other factors that can contribute to leg and foot swelling during air travel include dehydration, wearing tight-fitting clothing, and not moving around enough during the flight.

People who have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease may also be more prone to swelling during air travel.

To prevent or reduce leg and foot swelling during air travel, it is recommended to:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Walk around and stretch your legs frequently during the flight
  • Wear compression stockings or socks, which can help improve blood flow

Consider taking a low-dose aspirin before the flight, especially if you have a higher risk of blood clots.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, talk to your doctor before flying and ask for specific advice on how to manage swelling during air travel.

Spider Veins vs. Reticular Veins … what’s the Difference?

Spider Veins vs. Reticular Veins … what’s the Difference?

Most people know the difference between spider veins and varicose veins. But what about spider veins vs. reticular veins? What’s the difference?

Veins are the structures that bring blood up from your legs and back to your heart. Three major vein issues that people commonly notice on their body are:

  • Spider veins
  • Reticular veins
  • Varicose veins

 

How Can I Tell the Difference Between Veins?

Spider Veins

 

Doctor using a magnifying glass to look at spider veins on a person’s legs

 

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are the smallest veins measuring 1mm or less. They appear close to the surface of the skin and often take on a “tree-like” appearance with the veins looking like tree branches.

Spider veins mainly occur on the thighs, ankles, or calves

These veins can vary in color, ranging from blue/purple, to red or pink.

Usually, these veins don’t cause any physical symptoms unless they occur in larger clusters. Some people may feel slight discomfort in a heavily veined area.

 

Reticular veins

 

Reticular veins on the back of a leg

 

Reticular veins measure between 1mm and 3mm in diameter and are located just below the skin’s surface. They are slightly larger than spider veins.

Reticular veins exist a little deeper in the skin than spider veins, which run more along the surface. Unlike varicose veins, they don’t protrude from beneath the skin.

Reticular veins are found in the legs—commonly on the back or inner thigh—but can occur on the face, breasts, ankles, or knees.

These veins are usually not a medical problem. More often, people are concerned with the aesthetic issues they cause.

Since reticular veins feed into spider veins, they are also called feeder veins. You often see reticular veins right near spider vein clusters.

These veins are blue/green or purple. However, they can take on a ropey appearance and exist in clusters, giving the skin an unattractive marbled appearance.

Reticular veins, unlike spider veins, are often annoying or painful. The more reticular veins you have in an area, the more annoying they will become.

Common symptoms of reticular veins include:

  • Itching or irritation
  • Tenderness or pain
  • General discomfort in the area
  • Burning
  • Fatigue and heaviness

Spider veins and reticular veins are both referred to as superficial veins.

 

Let’s Not Forget About Varicose Veins

 

Stages of the development of varicose veins

 

Varicose veins are the largest veins. They measure larger than 3mm in diameter. They often bulge out from the skin and usually are purple or blue. Varicose veins are most often found on thighs, calves, ankles, and feet.

Symptoms of varicose veins are similar to the symptoms of reticular veins.

 

What Causes Reticular Veins and Are They Dangerous?

 

A pregnant woman pointing to a vein problem in her leg

 

Reticular veins:

  • Run in families
  • More commonly occur in women than men
  • Can be caused by obesity
  • Can develop during pregnancy
  • Develop with age, especially in people over 50 years old
  • Can be caused by sitting or standing for long periods of time
  • Can have no known cause

However, reticular veins often aren’t reason for concern except for cosmetic reasons. But it’s important to know that reticular veins do indicate that blood is not flowing as well as it could.

 

Reticular Veins and Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency or prior blood clots cause reticular veins.

Venous insufficiency occurs when blood doesn’t properly flow back to the heart from the feet. Blood pools in the veins.

This, in turn, creates pressure around the veins as well a swelling within the veins. Over time, the walls of the vein become weak and bulge. Veins can twist and skin marbling occurs.

Signs of venous insufficiency are:

  • Visible varicose veins on the skin’s surface
  • Leg pain or cramps
  • Weak legs
  • Tightness in calves
  • Itchy legs
  • Swelling in legs or ankles
  • Leg ulcers
  • Aching or heaviness in legs
  • Skin that thickens or changes color on legs or around ankles

 

When To See a Doctor for Reticular Veins

There are times when you should see a doctor about vein issues.

Contact a doctor if you are experiencing:

  • Pain or discomfort in or around veins
  • Bleeding veins
  • Ulcers around veins

It’s also a good idea to visit a vein doctor so they can:

  • Diagnose your vein problem with a vascular screening
  • Treat any damaged veins
  • Provide treatment for veins you find cosmetically unattractive

Here you can find out if your vein treatment will be Medicare accepted?

 

Self-care Treatment for Good Circulation

There are steps you can take to improve blood flow in reticular and other veins.

 

A car passenger’s wearing compression socks with legs elevated on the dashboard

 

These at-home solutions for improving blood flow include:

  • Wearing compression socks or stockings
  • Elevating your legs periodically
  • Leaving legs uncrossed when sitting
  • Exercising
  • Avoid sitting for long periods of time
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

These steps may be enough to relieve your discomfort from reticular or varicose veins.

 

Treatment Options for Reticular Veins

If you continue to have discomfort from reticular or varicose veins, or desire cosmetic treatment for any vein issue, it’s time to see a vein doctor.

Your treatment options will depend on the size and location of your veins and the severity of the venous insufficiency.

Medical treatment of existing reticular veins often prevents the development of associated spider veins. Treatment of reticular veins can also cause nearby spider veins to disappear.

 

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

The National Institute of Health states that “Sclerotherapy, when used with the correct technique, is the most effective method for the management of reticular varices and telangiectases.”

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing agent into the vein. The inner walls of the vein collapse and the vein seals itself shut. Blood is naturally directed to other healthier veins. Over the course of a few months, the body reabsorbs the old vein, and it disappears.

 

FDA-Approved Varithena™

 

An ink stamp that reads FDA Approved

 

At NJVVC, we use Varithena for this sclerotherapy treatment. It is an FDA-approved patented microfoam that is extremely well tolerated by patients having sclerotherapy treatment.

No anesthesia is required for this procedure.

Contact NJVVC for a free vascular screening.

Leg Exfoliation – Pros & Cons

Leg Exfoliation – Pros & Cons

Are you thinking about adding leg exfoliation to your beauty routine? If so, you’re on the right track. Leg exfoliation is an easy way to get softer, smoother, more attractive legs. But there are important things to know. Before you chose your exfoliation method, read our leg exfoliation pros and cons.

What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells.

Our skin creates fresh skin cells monthly. But sometimes old skin cells remain, giving the skin a flaky, rough appearance. Exfoliation gently removes these dead cells. It also inspires new skin cell growth.

A woman sitting and admiring her smooth legs

 

The Benefits of Exfoliation for Your Legs

Some benefits of exfoliation are legs that:

  • Look softer, smoother, and more polished
  • Look brighter
  • Look younger
  • Have improved circulation by bringing blood to the skin’s surface
  • Can have a reduction in the appearance of cellulite
  • Have increased collagen production over time
  • Will better absorb skin moisturizers
  • Develop fewer shaving-related ingrown hairs

Moisturizing Your Legs Isn’t Enough

Putting moisturizer or oils over dry, flaky skin won’t help much. That’s because these products can’t penetrate dry and scaly skin cells. Most of the moisturizer simply sits on top of the dry skin. This helps nothing. And you’re throwing money away.

But exfoliate your legs and watch them drink in the moisture.

Exfoliate Safely

Sometimes you can get too much of a good thing. Even drinking too much water each day can have a negative effect on your body. You don’t want to exfoliate every day. Your skin needs time to recover. Exfoliate at healthy intervals.

Your exfoliation products should work for your skin type. Is your skin dry, normal, or oily?

Then, be sure to apply moisturizer after exfoliation to avoid dryness or irritation. The best time to moisturize is just out of the shower when the skin is slightly damp.

Know Your Skin Type

If you exfoliate too harshly, or too often, for your skin type, your skin can become reddened or even damaged.

If your skin is sensitive, it may sting or burn after exfoliation. This is your skin’s way of telling you to be gentler.

If your skin is dry and flaky, you may be tempted to over exfoliate and irritate deeper layers of skin. When you exfoliate manually, use a gentle massaging touch—never scrub.

If your body is well hydrated, it will respond to exfoliation better.

A woman using an exfoliation brush to remove dead skin cells

 

Remember These Exfoliation Tips

  • Never exfoliate right after shaving
  • Don’t exfoliate over a sunburn
  • Don’t exfoliate over an open cut or broken skin
  • Do give special attention to knees and ankles
  • Massage legs at the same time to improve circulation

Also, never exfoliate if you easily get dark spots on your skin from bug bites.

There are Two Types of Exfoliation

When you exfoliate your legs, you can use either a physical exfoliation method or chemical exfoliation.

Chemical exfoliation uses gentle acids or enzymes to dissolve the dead skin.

Know the pros and cons of each method to find which one works best for your skin.

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation uses a tool to remove dead skin cells. You can also use a mineral salt scrub.

Pros

  • Works well for normal, thicker, more resilient skin

Cons

  • Is rougher than chemical exfoliation because it involves gentle scrubbing

Four Tools Used for Physical Exfoliation

1. Loofahs

A natural loofah is a dried tropical gourd.

Pros

  • Gently and effectively exfoliates dead skin
  • Doesn’t irritate healthy skin
  • Can buy in bulk and change frequently for safety

Cons

  • Is a breeding ground for bacteria
  • Can trap bacteria in pores during exfoliation
  • Can be the source of infections
  • Holds dead skin cells and old dirt and grime

 

Loofah sponges, used for physical exfoliation, arranged in a wicker basket

 

2. Dry Brush Exfoliation

Includes use of a shower brush or natural bath bristle. Use it on dry skin. Brush skin upward toward the heart.

Pros

  • Excellent for normal, non-sensitive, skin
  • Provides a more rigorous exfoliation, if needed
  • Can easily control exfoliation pressure
  • Will increase circulation

Cons

  • Even light pressure may be too harsh for sensitive skin
  • Can cause irritation or bleeding if overused in certain area

 

3. Exfoliating Gloves

Pros

  • Gentle on the skin with no redness or irritation

Cons

  • If they develop an odor, you need a new pair
  • Must wash out and let dry completely after each use

 

4. Mineral Salt Scrubs

First, rinse skin in warm water. Then apply scrub to legs by hand with a circular motion. Rinse off in a cool shower.

Pros

  • Can use up to two times a week
  • Exfoliates and cleanses
  • Helps with skin circulation and detoxification
  • Softens skin and improves hydration

Cons

  • Can be irritating if done more than 2-3 times/week
  • Does not moisturize the skin

Chart showing the chemical makeup of AHA acids

 

Chemical Exfoliation

You can buy chemical exfoliants which are made of mild acids.

Different chemical exfoliants include:

  • AHA acids like glycolic or lactic acids, derived from fruit, sugar or milk, are good for dry or sensitive skin; can use them every other week
  • BHA acids, like salicylic acid, are good for oily, acne-prone skin
  • Extremely mild enzyme-based acids are derived from fruits

Pros

  • Gentler than physical exfoliation
  • Good for sensitive or skin
  • Can use with a gentle washcloth
  • Does not involve scrubbing
  • Can moisturize skin and will not over-dry it
  • Can help prevent ingrown hairs

Cons

  • It’s important to follow label directions to avoid irritation or dark spots

Look for Spider Veins on Your Legs

Now that you’re focusing on making your legs more beautiful, take time out to look for spider veins.

Spider veins appear near the surface of the skin. They usually appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines on the ankles, thighs, or calf.

They rarely cause any health problems, but they are unsightly.

You cannot remove spider veins with exfoliation, but they can be removed with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no anesthesia.

And you can usually exfoliate your legs once the injection site has fully healed.

Contact us at NJVVC for more information.

You may also like, “Spider Veins on Ankles and How to Treat Them.”

Get your Legs Ready for Summer!

Get your Legs Ready for Summer!

Summer is the time to relax and have fun. Whether you’re lounging around the pool or shopping in your local farmer’s market, you want to look and feel your best. Before the heat sends us running for shorts, sundresses, and bathing suits, is a great time to get your legs ready for summer.

Here are some ways to get your legs looking their best and feeling great.

A woman with varicose veins wades in the ocean

 

Get Rid of Unsightly Spider Veins or Varicose Veins

While spider veins and varicose veins usually don’t pose a health risk, they are never attractive to look at. And varicose veins can make your legs feel achy, heavy, and tired. They can ruin your lazy strolls through unexplored towns or make you self-conscious about showing off your summer legs.

The good news is that there are treatments available which can eliminate these unsightly and sometimes painful veins. Now is a great time to have a consultation with a vein specialist to see what they can do to eliminate them.

Happily, there are minimally invasive outpatient procedures that can reduce or eliminate both spider and varicose veins.

Procedure and recovery times are short, and the results make you feel and look fabulous!

A woman gets her legs ready for summer by exfoliating them in bath

 

Exfoliate Your Legs

There’s no time like the present to exfoliate the dry skin on your legs. The cold winter temperatures and harsh indoor heating may have left your skin feeling tight, dull, and dry.

An easy way to rejuvenate the look of your legs, and give them a fresh summer glow, is to exfoliate your legs.

Exfoliate once a week if your skin is dry or sensitive, or more frequently, if your skin is oily.

Cleansing scrubs and loofahs work wonders in the bath or shower.

When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells and keep them from building up on the skin. This makes room for the fresh new skin cells that appear every 27 days or so.

After removing the dead skin cells from your legs, be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer; exfoliation can sometimes leave your skin feeling drier or sensitive.

Exfoliation not only makes your skin look better but also helps your skin absorb moisturizers. Without removing the dead skin cells, moisturizers only sit on top of the skin and cannot do their important work below the surface.

It’s important to know that exfoliation can make your skin more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays. So be extra sure to use sunscreen on your legs when you go outside.

A woman putting moisturizer on her legs

 

Apply Moisturizer

Moisturizing your legs year-round will keep the skin soft and glowing.

Moisturize every day right after your shower while your skin is still damp. This will keep your skin well hydrated.

But be sure not to over moisturize your legs. It’s possible for your skin to become dependent on the moisturizer and create less moisture on its own.

Stop Taking Long Hot Showers

Long hot showers are extremely relaxing, but they can make your skin feel dry and tight.

Prolonged exposure to hot water will not only remove too much natural oil from your skin, but it can make your legs swell.

When you shower, keep the water temperature a bit lower—especially after a day of summer heat.

And at the very end of your shower, try an invigorating cooler rinse. This will help muscles and increase vein function.

Improve Your Nutrition

With all the fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit available, the summer is a natural time to improve your diet. Your skin and body will benefit from good nutrition.

Foods that will improve your overall skin health include:

  • Antioxidants—found in berries
  • Vitamin E—found in almonds and sunflower seeds
  • Omega-6 fatty acids—found in soybeans and corn
  • Omega-3 fatty acids—found in salmon and mackerel

Eat lean meats and fish to get lots of healthy fats and protein.

Good nutrition also contributes to vein health in your legs and feet.

Vitamin C keeps veins strong and increases your body’s manufacturing of collagen and elastin.

Flavonoids can reduce swelling and aches related to varicose veins. Rutin, a powerful flavonoid, is found in cranberries, grapes, oranges, and asparagus.

A man running along the beach stops to drink water

 

Stay Hydrated

It’s always important to stay well hydrated, but it’s particularly important to stay hydrated during the summer months. People lose lots of fluid through sweating, which makes dehydration even more likely.

Drinking too little water can cause leg and abdominal cramps and urinary and kidney problems.

Signs of dehydration include:

  • muscle cramps
  • dry mouth
  • extreme fatigue
  • heat intolerance
  • excessive thirst
  • feeling light-headed

A simple rule of thumb is to strive for eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily—and even more in the warmer months.

Exercise Your Legs for Better Health

Strong leg muscles are important for your overall health. They not only help keep your legs attractive and less prone to injury—they also help manage arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

In the summer, strong and well-toned legs look great and make it easier and more fun to participate in summer activities.

Keep legs strong by exercising them year-round. If you don’t enjoy going to the gym, try walking. Walking every day is a great way to build leg strength and endurance.

Try to aim for 5 miles a day, but any amount of walking helps.

Select a Hair Removal Method

There are many ways to remove leg hair. If you’re not a big fan of razors, with their accompanying burns and cuts, you can try various depilatory products, an epilator, or even waxing.

Laser hair removal also is a popular alternative for removing hair from legs. However, even laser hair removal isn’t permanent. The time the treatments last will depend on your age, skin type, and other factors.

Now that you know how to get your legs ready for summer, enjoy these blog posts on summer skin and vein care:

A Comprehensive Guide to Leg Ulcers

A Comprehensive Guide to Leg Ulcers

This blog covers the first signs of leg ulcers and both medical and at-home treatments. We’ll discuss why it’s important to examine the underlying causes and how to reduce and prevent their frequency.

An ulcer is an open sore on your skin. Ulcers can affect any area of your skin, but often, they occur on the legs.

Leg ulcers can be very painful and often take as long as three to four months to heal, with appropriate treatment.

The most common cause of leg ulcers is poor blood circulation in your veins. This can lead to several other issues including chronic vein insufficiency. Early detection is key in preventing irreparable damage.

Anatomy of Leg Ulcers

A leg ulcer is a chronic sore that develops between your knee and your ankle. They typically appear on your inner leg near your ankle and may take several weeks if not months to heal.

They present as large, red, swollen, fluid-seeping sores with irregular edges that are resistant to healing.

leg-ulcer-sore

 

Generally, ulcers are characterized by how they look, their location, the surrounding skin.

Some causes of leg ulcers include:

• Lymphedema
• Venous Disease
• Peripheral Arterial Disease
• History of Leg Ulcers
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Undergoing Surgery or Injuring an Infected Leg

symptoms-leg-ulcer

Signs and Symptoms

Most symptoms of vein disorders are transitory and can be effectively treated. However, venous leg ulcers are much more challenging and severe.

The heightened risk of an open sore getting infected is what distinguishes it from other diseases. If left untreated, a venous leg ulcer can have a negative impact on your health.

Signs of leg ulcers may include aching and tightness in your calves. Throbbing or a heavy feeling in your legs may also signify their coming appearance.

Once an ulcer develops, you may see discolored splotches around the edges due to pooled and trapped blood.

Some leg ulcers will only affect the skin, however, there are times when the sore may descend deeper into your muscle, your tendon, fat layer, or bone.

Risk Factors

Women are at a higher risk of having Venous leg ulcers. Women affected tend to be in their forties, while the men affected tend to be in their seventies. Other possible causes for venous leg ulcers include:

• Cancer
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Immobility
• Pregnancy
• Varicose Veins
• Heredity/Genetics
• Incompetent Valves
• Swelling of a Superficial Vein (phlebitis)
• Muscle Weakness in the Legs, Leg Injury, or Trauma

A majority of ulcers heal within three months. However, some ulcers may take years to heal and about 15% may never completely heal.

medical-help

Seeking Medical Help

You should contact your doctor if you have a wound that will not heal, or if you think that your wound is infected. Your doctor should inquire about any history of recurring or chronic conditions, like diabetes or hardening of the arteries.

In some cases, additional tests such as an X-ray or CT scan may be needed.

Signs of a wound or leg ulcer infection can include:

• Chills
• Odor
• Fever
• Bleeding
• Increased Pain
• Excess Drainage
• Swelling About the Wound
• Redness, Increased Warmth
• Cloudy or Yellowish Drainage

doppler-study

Diagnosing Leg Ulcers

A physician will perform a Doppler Study to evaluate your veins and arteries. During a Doppler Study, an ultrasound probe is placed on the skin in order to visualize blood flow patterns.

Your doctor may also obtain blood pressure readings at your arms and ankles for comparison if he/she suspects arterial disease.

Treating Leg Ulcers

Some treatment options are non-invasive, while other methods are medically involved. Treatment options are administered based on the severity of your condition.

Medical treatment strives to enhance blood flow to the affected area as well as encourage recovery of the ulcer.

prevent-leg-ulcers

Practicing Prevention

Here are some things that you can do at home to prevent a leg ulcer.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings assist in reducing strain and edema on the skin due to increased pressure and swelling.

Elevate Your Legs

Elevating your legs will help in circulating blood back to your heart. Also, use a pillow to prop up your feet when sleeping, and elevate your legs above your heart for 30 minutes when you awaken, and repeat up to four times daily.

Maintain Healthy Skin

Keep your lower legs clean and moisturized with a non-drying, alcohol-free moisturizing cream or lotion.

exercise

Exercise

Exercise is known to promote healthy veins and blood flow. Daily exercise is also an awesome way to increase circulation. Foot and ankle exercises can promote good blood flow. So, give it a try.

Point your toes upwards, then point them away from you. Repeat this exercise for a few sets every day. This can be done in a sitting or standing position.

New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center in Morris County is committed to personalized patient care and good vein health.

Our state-of-the-art vein center maintains the highest standards and advances in the field of vein and vascular care. Our goal is to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of your various vein conditions.

For more on our office and services, please contact us today.

Winter Leg Care

Winter Leg Care

We all know the drill. Once the winter chill sneaks in, it’s easy to lack moisture and mobility in our lives. Our skin gets drier and our muscles get tighter. This means our legs need extra attention and care during the winter months.

You may have noticed your skin gets dry when the cold weather begins. But winter brings more than dry skin. If you’ve also noticed leg cramps and soreness, you’re not alone. These symptoms are common in many people and can be exacerbated by the cold.

But there’s good news. You can combat both dry skin and leg cramps this winter season. Read over these helpful tips your legs will love.

How to Combat Dry Skin:

Reduce Shower Time

What’s not to love about a long, hot shower when it’s freezing out? But did you know those hot showers could be drying out your skin even more?

Reduce the amount of time you spend in a hot shower or bath by half. Try to keep your shower time to 10-15 minutes or less.

Use Gentle Cleansers

You may have heard the term pH balance in the skincare world before. But if you haven’t, let’s go back to the basics. pH stands for potential hydrogen, which is a measure of the element’s activity in a substance.

The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14. A pH level of seven is neutral and anything lower is acidic. Anything higher than 7.0 is considered in the alkaline range. Skin tends to be naturally acidic and depending on the area of skin tested, it usually averages between 4.7 and 5.0.

An ideal skin pH is between 4.7 and 6.0, which is slightly acidic. Many soaps or body washes score over eight on the pH scale. The use of certain products disrupts the skin’s ability to maintain a healthy pH level. This could be a major reason why the skin on your legs is dry, flaky, itchy, and inflamed.

Drink Water

Staying hydrated is key for your skin to retain moisture. Try to drink more water. It’s easy to drink plenty of water in warmer weather. Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than a tall glass of ice water

But when it’s cold, we tend to reach for hot lattes, which dehydrate our body. Even more so if you’re not drinking enough water to counteract the caffeine.

Exfoliate

One of the most important tips for having smooth, healthy skin is exfoliation. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of our skin.

Did you know our skin naturally sheds dead skin every 30 days? But sometimes, dead skin cells don’t shed completely. This leaves the skin looking dry and flaky.

The key to exfoliating in the winter is knowing how often to do it. Meaning, don’t exfoliate more than once a week as it can be too harsh for your skin.

Exfoliating-Legs

To exfoliate the legs, try “dry brushing”. This is exactly what it sounds like: brushing your skin with a dry brush. Brushing the skin while it’s dry will loosen dead skin so it will wash off easily in the shower.

Eat Fatty Acids

Eat more foods containing essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) such as lean meat, eggs, walnuts, and salmon. The body cannot make these fatty acids on its own. But they are essential for proper skin hydration and health.

Quit Smoking

Nicotine is a known blood vessel constrictor that can reduce oxygen levels in the body. Insufficient oxygen may lead to pale, itchy dry skin that worsens in winter.

Quit-Smoking

Smoking also increases the risk of varicose veins, leg soreness, and leg ulcers. If you smoke, ask your doctor about medications or programs available to help you stop.

Moisturize

Hydration is key for many aspects of our bodies. Our skin needs to retain moisture to function properly. Basic moisturizers will do the trick on the surface of the skin. But oils work to lock-in moisture deeper into the skin.

Apply-Lotion-to-Legs

Skin oils, like baby oil, also act as a protective barrier between dry air and our skin. Try rubbing a few drops of baby oil on your legs after a shower.

Winter Leg Cramps

Now that we have our leg skin ready to combat the cold, let’s move on to our muscles.

Why Do Muscles Cramp More in Winter?

Muscles contract when they get cold as a way of preserving energy. This means you must exert more force to move your muscles in the cold.

Leg-Cramps

Not using our contracted muscles increases stiffness, spasms, and cramps. Add slight dehydration during the winter, and you’ve got achy, tired legs.

For Muscle Pain Relief

Epsom Salt Soaks

Soak your legs in Epsom salt to soothe your muscles. Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate compound used as a healing agent and pain reliever. Magnesium works well for relaxing constricted muscles and heal minor inflammation.

Soak-Feet-in-Epsom-Salts

If you don’t feel like getting in the tub, just give your feet some love. Make a foot soak by filling your bathtub or a basin with water that covers your feet. Then add a 1/2 cup of Epsom salt and soak your feet for about 30 minutes. You’ll provide your feet with some relief and your legs will thank you.

Heating Pads

Place a heating pad or a moist cloth warmed in a microwave on achy areas of your legs. Note that moist heat is always better, as the hot moisture gets absorbed into the muscles.

Hydration is one of the most important things needed for our muscles. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends drinking 10-16 cups of water a day.

If you have a bad habit of forgetting to drink water, don’t worry. Look for water bottles that light up or flash when it’s time to drink.

There are even water bottles that you can sync up with your phone and track your water intake. Add electrolytes to your water for an increased boost of hydration.

Exercises to Combat Leg Cramps

Basic Leg Scissors

Leg scissors are simple exercises you can do at home on the floor. This exercise increases circulation in your legs. It also helps maintain muscle tone in your thighs and lower abdomen. Although it doesn’t burn a lot of calories, it is a great way to reduce nighttime leg cramps. Try doing these daily for at least 15 minutes.

Lie on a mat and relax your back enough to feel the length of your spine against it. With your arms resting on the mat, lift both legs about a foot off the floor.

Raise your right leg slightly higher than the left leg. Then, lower your left leg down to the mat as you raise your right leg three or four inches higher. Repeat lifting and lowering legs if you feel comfortable doing so.

After several weeks of performing leg scissors, try wearing ankle weights for resistance.

Squat Rotations

Squat rotations are another great exercise for the legs. They improve flexibility, keep bones strong, and help prevent injury. Squat rotations are one of the best functional exercises to tone and strengthen the body.

Because of its low impact, this exercise is perfect for people of any age and body type.

You’ll need a light medicine ball or any small, weighted object for this exercise. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and hold the ball in your hands. Keep your chest up, back flat, and your body weight on your heels.

Twist your torso while bringing the ball down to the outside of your left foot. Stand straight with the force of your heels. Repeat on the right side. Keep your eyes locked on the ball during the entire exercise. Do 10 reps on each side.

Stationary Single Leg Holds

The stationary single leg hold exercise works on every lower body muscle. This includes your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. It’s a low impact exercise and doesn’t put too much pressure on knees or joints. Use a wall for support if you need to.

While keeping your knees close, pull your left leg behind your body with your left hand. Once you feel balanced, lift your right arm overhead. Try to keep as straight you can while holding this position and avoid turning your body to the side. Release and switch legs after 10 counts. Repeat three times on both sides.

Want to give your legs extra care this winter? Contact us at NJVVC today to learn more about our professional skin care and vein treatment options.

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