Venous and arterial ulcers are not just painful. They can be life-threatening if they become infected, which is common because of the lack of blood flow to the area. To prevent this from happening as a Texan in San Antonio, you must change your lifestyle to a way that will help improve circulation and reduce swelling. However, talk to a specialist in venous and arterial ulcers in San Antonio, TX. Here are simple changes that may help.
Healthy Diet
Foods that promote blood flow are essential when venous and arterial ulcers. It means eating healthy foods rich in omega-three fatty acids, folic acid, vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Foods that stunt circulation should be avoided because they will only cause the area to remain poorly oxygenated. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, fish, and nuts. Other beneficial foods are spirulina, blackstrap molasses, and rosehip tea.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity is also a significant factor in venous and arterial ulcers because blood circulation can increase up to 400 percent after moderate exercise for 30 minutes to an hour. Gentle movements that are easy on the legs are recommended. Before getting out of bed, you can do calf raises five times, then relax, repeat.
Also, try doing knee circles with your feet together by rotating your ankles ten times clockwise then counterclockwise, still keeping your knees together. Calves should be worked by standing with the back against a wall and the affected leg in front, with a few books or boxes under your foot. You can also try heel slides by standing at a wall for support and putting both heels up against the wall, bending your knees slightly to let them stretch naturally.
Lose Weight
Unhealthy weight gain can lead to poor circulation and venous and arterial ulcers. Losing just a few pounds is enough to increase the rate of blood flow by up to 50 percent, lowering the chances of ulceration. This is because extra weight puts pressure on the leg veins and decreases their elasticity, causing them to bulge and pool with blood.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for blood clots and varicose veins, two possible causes of venous and arterial ulcers. Nicotine constricts the veins and makes them more challenging to pump blood through them, leading to poor circulation. Therefore it must be stopped immediately to help prevent ulcers from developing.
Use Compression Therapy
Compression therapy such as compression stockings or bandages can improve blood flow and prevent blood pooling in the leg. This is why those with venous and arterial ulcers need to wear them regularly, even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms. Most bandages are airy, cotton material that helps prevent skin irritation.
Avoid Stress
Stress can cause high blood pressure, which in turn causes venous and arterial ulcers. Stress is bad for the body because it induces a fight or flight response that diverts all of its energy to its muscles. It means that no energy is left for the immune system and other necessary body functions, such as maintaining healthy veins.
Venous and arterial ulcers can be life-threatening if they become infected, which is common because of the lack of blood flow to the area. To prevent this from happening, you must change your lifestyle to a way that will help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Get guidance from a venous and arterial ulcers specialist first.
