As we age, our bodies need more care. Conditions develop, often through the natural wear and tear that the body goes through over the years.

One such condition is Chronic Venous Insufficiency, or CVI, which occurs when the veins in your legs fail to pump back the blood to the heart which causes blood to pool in your lower legs and cause swelling. There are a range of uncomfortable symptoms CVI can give rise to like varicose veins, swelling, and pain​.^[1]

The upside is that CVI can be managed through several lifestyle changes like:

1. Regular ​Exercise^[2]

   Exercising regularly helps improve circulation and strengthen the muscles in your legs. It helps alleviate symptoms of CVI and prevent the condition from getting worse. Good exercises for CVI include walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga.

2. Maintaining Body ​​Weight^[3]

   Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your veins and worsen the symptoms of CVI. Losing weight can help improve your symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. Try a more balanced diet and indulge in some form of physical activity to achieve the ideal weight for your body.

3. Elevate Your Legs ​Periodically^[4]

   Elevating your legs above the level of your heart can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in your legs. You can do this by lying down and propping your legs on a pillow or sitting in a chair and resting your legs on a footstool. Try elevating your legs for at least 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day.

4. Wear Compression Stockings^[5]

   Specially designed to help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs, compression stockings provide relief to those suffering from CVI. They work by applying gentle pressure to the legs, which helps push blood back up towards the heart. Compression stockings are readily available at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.

5. Avoid Prolonged Sitting or ​Standing^[6]

   Usually, prolonged sitting or standing puts extra pressure on your veins and can worsen symptoms of CVI. If your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods of time, try to take frequent breaks, and move around.

As this article demonstrates, lifestyle changes can play an important role in managing CVI and preventing the condition from getting worse.

​​For those who are suffering from CVI, Esenvia^® is an OTC product that provides relief from the signs and symptoms of CVI like varicose veins, pain, swelling, burning sensation, heaviness of legs, and spider veins​​.^[7]

This product may not be right for you. Please read and follow the label before use.

Esenvia^® is a registered trademark owned by Norwell Consumer Healthcare Inc.

REFERENCES 

[1] Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi

[2] Joyner, M. J., & Casey, D. P. (2015). Regulation of Increased Blood Flow (Hyperemia) to Muscles During Exercise:
A Hierarchy of Competing Physiological Needs. Physiological Reviews, 95(2), 549-601.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4551211/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions
-and-diseases/chronic-venous-insufficiency

[3] Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi#
:~:text=What%20is%20the%20most%20common,higher%20risk%20of%20developing%20CVI

[4] Chronic venous insufficiency
​​​UC Davis Health​​
https://health.ucdavis.edu/vascular/diseases/cvi.html#:~:
text=Treatment%20for%20chronic%20venous%20insufficiency&text=Elevation%3A%20Elevating%20
the%20legs%20can,can%20help%20to%20reduce%20swelling ​

[5] How long should I wear compression stockings to improve my circulation?
NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-long
-should-i-wear-compression-stockings-to-improve-my-circulation/

[6] Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi

[7] Esenvia^® Website
https://www.esenvia.com/