In the meantime, get out for a walk.
Wait, a trampoline? You bet. These toys could help improve circulation, treat varicose veins, and lead to better vein health.
Vein health and poor circulation could be the reason your legs feel heavy, sore, and swollen. If you notice those symptoms when you’re sitting in front of the TV, at your desk, in the car, or around the dinner table, it likely means your blood is pooling.
When you’ve got healthy veins and good circulation, blood can win the fight against gravity and make it back up your legs to your heart. This can happen regardless of whether you’re sitting, standing, or lying down.
But if you spend too much time sitting or standing, or if you’re gotten a little heavier over the years, your veins get weaker. Circulation might slow down, and you’ll notice your feet and legs might be cold, painful, or swollen.
Blood can start to pool in your lower extremities, and veins stop carrying as much blood back to your heart as they should be. The result can be varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, and poor circulation in the area.
Exercise and activity are a great way to get the blood moving again, as can just moving more. Getting out for a 30-minute walk each day, changing posture while sitting, or standing up every 30-minutes can help with circulation and blood flow.
If you’ve got bad ankles or knees, bouncing on a small trampoline might help. Now, I’m not talking about the giant trampoline your grandkids have in the backyard that shoots them 10 feet in the air. A small portable trampoline is all you need.
Research has shown that bouncing on a mini-trampoline, a practice called “rebounding,” can help reduce blood pooling, promote circulation, and create healthier veins.
One study on rebounding found that doing it for five minutes, three times per day, improved blood flow and vein health.
You might not think about vein health or circulation very often, but it can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Please do what you can to keep veins healthy and have a little fun while you’re at it!