In 2017, Lesley McVean, from Oakville, Ontario, started feeling pain and irritation in her legs. “I didn’t think too much of it,” says McVean. “I used to work in occupations that kept me on my feet for decades. I told myself the symptoms were probably just fatigue or normal signs of aging.” As it turns out, the increasingly intense itching and swelling were hiding a more serious health issue.

That issue was chronic venous disease. This painful condition can happen when your leg veins stop flowing blood back up to your heart properly, causing the blood to collect in your legs, making them feel sore and inflamed.^[i] If you’ve never heard of this disease, you’re not alone. Almost three quarters of Canadian women aged 35 to 60 have experienced at least one symptom of chronic venous disease, but thousands don’t even know what it is, or how it could affect them.^[ii]

So how do you know if you’re affected by chronic venous disease?

“There are telltale signs to look out for, including varicose and spider veins, a heavy, swollen feeling in your legs, and discomfort during physical activity,”^[iii] says Dr. Beverley Chan, vascular surgeon at Vascular Health Bronte. “Left untreated, those symptoms can get worse,^[iv] making everyday things like showering, driving to get groceries or even just taking a walk pretty uncomfortable.” “Not only that,” she adds, “some people end up doing serious harm to the veins in their legs, damaging the skin and pigmentation and even developing an ulcer that requires long-term treatment.”^[v]

But before you get too worried, here’s the good news: with some simple lifestyle changes and treatment you can help relieve the symptoms of chronic venous disease.

With so many of us at home right now, we may not be getting the same amount of physical activity our bodies are used to. That is why it is even more important to develop healthy habits to keep our bodies moving and improve blood flow. Nutrition is also important, as high-sodium foods can encourage water retention, which puts even more pressure on your veins. Try to reach for healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables full of vitamins and nutrients.

“When it comes to working from home, everyone has a different style,” says Dr. Chan. “Some people like staying busy from the comfort of the couch. If that’s your thing, try to keep your legs elevated to help reduce swelling and increase blood flow.” Others prefer to stand while typing or taking calls. “Standing desks are definitely on-trend and have many proven benefits,” adds Dr. Chan, “but do bear in mind that being on your feet for long periods can cause blood pooling in the legs and increase vein pressure too.”

These options can help relieve some symptoms, but it is important to address the source of the disease for better long-term symptom management.

Lesley McVean had a benign lump removed from her leg when she was younger. Years later, when swelling began in the same leg, she thought perhaps the lump had returned. After consulting her family doctor she was referred to a vascular surgeon where she learned the saphenous vein in her leg had collapsed. After surgery and a series of injections to treat her leg, McVean’s doctor recommended a natural health product called Venixxa.

“I coped with many nasty symptoms of chronic venous disease for years, and it put me through a lot,” says McVean. “For me, finding Venixxa was such a huge relief.”

A convenient, over-the-counter solution that helps relieve signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate chronic venous disease,^[vi] Venixxa is shown to improve circulation and significantly reduce pain, lower-leg swelling and heaviness in just four weeks.^[vii]

 

“Venixxa gave me an instant break from the swelling and irritation, which I didn’t realize was an internal problem, especially since I had spent many hours a day on my feet for years. Today, after taking Venixxa for a few years, I’m symptom free. And while I might not be 20 anymore, I even feel good about showing a little leg on warmer days again!”

If any of the signs or symptoms described above sound familiar, Venixxa is worth a shot. Don’t suffer in silence with the uncomfortable symptoms of chronic venous disease, ask your doctor or pharmacist how you can start treating it right at the source.

To learn more about chronic venous disease and assess your risk, visit Venixxa.ca/veinscore-assessment.

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Venixxa is a natural health product proven to relieve symptoms of chronic venous disease such as painful, heavy and swollen legs