Do you suffer from tired and swollen legs? Do you ever feel tension or tingling in your legs? Does the skin harden or itch? If so, you could have weak veins.

The condition is called Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when veins weaken and lose their ability to conduct blood effectively.

With the onset of the disease, veins become dilated and the venous valves, responsible for the blood flow to the heart, no longer close properly. In many cases the venous valves remain open and the blood accumulates in the dilated vein. As a result, the blood flows back into the vein and pools in the leg tissue, causing swelling and small veins to appear in the skin.

Through the increased pressure, the veins become permeable, and the fluid passes out into the surrounding tissue. This results in the accumulation of fluid, so called odema. This increased amount of fluid in the tissues of the legs causes pain, swelling and can cause further damage to the veins.

Examine your legs carefully for spider or varicose veins and note any swelling especially around the ankles and calves. Detection at early stages followed by immediate intervention is recommended so as to prevent further deterioration.

Risk parameters

Age: Increases with age.
Gender: Women are affected more often because of pregnancy and hormonal contraception.
Daily lifestyles: Problems may appear after long periods of sitting or standing, lifting heavy objects, hard landings or kneeling for long periods.
Obesity and poor diets: Poor dietary habits can lead to constipation which increases the abdominal and venous pressure.

What to do?

There are tablets you can take, which will help maintain leg vein health. A new product Antistax helps to increase the strength and elastiscity of of the vein walls, reduce swelling and relieve symptoms of the condition. The tablets are natural food supplements containing red vine leaf extract which helps to maintain good leg vein health.

Some other tips include eating a balanced diet with plenty of fibre, fresh fruit and vegetables; drinking plenty of water; keeping your legs and ankles moving during the day; trying not to cross your legs for long periods, exercise regularly; wearing comfortable shoes and clothing and avoid nicotine and alcohol.

For more information on CVI and the health of your veins, contact the Antistax help line on 0800 212 219.