Among the health problems that commonly affect the lower extremities are traumatic injuries and vascular conditions. The former refer to bone fractures, muscle tears, tendonitis, etc. (problems that cause pain and inability to move normally) and the latter have to do with poor blood circulation (which can generate, in addition to discomfort in the area, the appearance of ulcers, varicose veins and other more serious complications).
Circulation problems can lead to leg ulcers and varicose veins, pain, night cramps and swelling in the ankles and feet.
Circulation problems in the legs
Feeling tired when walking, having night pains and having vascular lesions such as leg or foot ulcers could indicate – according to Dr. Carlos Lisbona Sabater, co-director of the Laser Varicose Vein Surgery Unit at the Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona- the existence of a circulatory problem, such as arteriosclerosis.
Also, the appearance of varicose veins, feeling heaviness and tingling and experiencing pain and swelling in the ankles and feet (especially in summer and late in the day) would be the consequence of a circulatory problem and, therefore, it would be advisable to see a doctor when the first symptoms appear. As Dr. Lisbona, a specialist in angiology and vascular surgery, explains: “Varicose veins can be a source of severe complications, such as phlebitis, skin eczema, changes in skin color in the area above the ankles, ulcers and even venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (which can be fatal). For this reason, whenever we see varicose veins in the legs, ocher coloration on the ankles, we have any of the discomfort that we have discussed or have a family history of circulatory diseases, we must inform the doctor”.
How to treat varicose veins?
The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins does not always entail an associated risk. However, the ideal is that a specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery analyze our case and indicate whether it is necessary to follow any treatment.
People who wish to put an end to these unsightly marks and recover healthy-looking legs can resort to surgery, a solution, as Dr. Lisbona states, “fast, safe, definitive and effective. And if, in addition, a laser technique is used, the particularity is added that it is painless, of very fast recovery, totally aesthetic and, depending on the case, ambulatory”.
For healthy and resistant legs
1. Maintaining an adequate weight is essential for good health. Overweight and obesity are risk factors for many conditions and should be avoided.
2. Following a healthy, balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients helps prevent many diseases, especially those that cause cardiovascular problems. Excessive fat consumption should be avoided.
3. Regular exercise improves our physical endurance, promotes circulation, strengthens bones and tones muscles. As a result, it helps prevent vascular conditions and injuries.
4. To prevent vascular problems in the legs, it is also important to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and sitting for long periods of time.
The most common injuries
“The most typical leg injuries are those affecting the ligaments of the knee and ankle. Next in frequency are muscle fibrillar tears in the calf and thigh, tibia and fibula fractures, Achilles tendon injuries and tendonitis,” explains Dr. Aleix Vidal, a specialist in traumatology, orthopedic surgery and sports traumatology. He adds that, although it is not possible to generalize, since a traumatic injury can occur at any age, a special incidence of ligament injuries in the ankle is observed during adolescence, while tibia and fibula fractures tend to be typical of young adults. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries tend to occur between the ages of 30 and 45, especially in women, and Achilles tendon ruptures and muscle tears tend to be common in adult males.
Diet against injuries
Diet plays an essential role in bone health, adds Dr. Aleix Vidal: “An adequate intake of calcium is essential for bone mineralization (therefore it is recommended to drink the equivalent of two glasses of milk, either in the form of yogurt, cheese or butter) and a correct accumulation of calories to burn and produce energy in response to the demand of physical exercise (we must eat proteins -meat, fish, etc.- and carbohydrates -pasta, nuts, etc.-). Vitamins serve as mediators for many metabolic functions. Vitamin D, for example, is essential for the transport and absorption of calcium.”