The circulation
For many centuries, fantastic ideas of the Galenic doctrine dominated
medical science. It was William Harvey (1578 - 1657) who explored the
construction and function of the heart further. He recognized that the
organ consists of two pumps; the one driving blood to the lungs and the
other distributing this same oxygenenriched blood to various areas of
the body via the arteries. Gravity and the pumping action of the heart
transport the blood to the legs, from where the same amount of blood
simultaneously returns back to the heart via the veins and the lymph
tracts.
The pumping action of the heart alone is not sufficient to return the
blood to the heart. To achieve this balance, the work of the heart is
aided by the pumping action of the calf muscles, the suction of the
thorax and the heart and a series of valves in the veins. Any failure in
this system impedes the return flow and the result will be a venous
disorder of the leg
Not a disorder of modern times
As the ancient relief shows, already 450 B.C. Hippocrates recommended
placing a sponge on the leg ulcer.
The source of leg vein disorders is a hereditary predisposition but
hormonal changes and circulatory problems can also cause vein disorders.
In any case, it is the viable and felt symptom of an imbalance between
the arterial flow of blood to the legs and the venous return of blood
from the legs to the heart.
The valves that are present become incompetent and de-oxygenated blood
accumulates in the legs.
This is how it starts:
Stabbing pain in the calves, tired legs and chronically cold feet. A
certain hereditary predisposition will slow down the return of blood
from the legs to the heart. The pressure in the leg veins increases and
the veins become dialated. The oxygen supply decreases and the legs feel
tired and heavy. Abdominal pressure changes and hormonal deviations can
accelerate varicosity. The skin of the tumid leg is suffering from
oxygen deficiency. Itching leads to scratching. Eczemas, infections, or
phlebitis can lead to wounds commonly known as "ulcerated legs".
Does it have to come to this point? We know the return of venous blood
from the legs is closely related to movement. Exercising the leg
muscles, regardless by which method, is a prerequisite for good a
functioning calf muscle pump to assure the return of the blood to the
heart.
How does the calf muscle pump function?
When walking, the muscles contract and relax. This causes the venous
pump to work in a push-pull fashion by alternating pressure and suction.
During muscle tension, the blood is propelled upwards towards the heart
because venous valves make sure that the blood flows in this direction
What patients can do:
- Get plenty of movement in fresh air
- Leg exercises
- Elevate legs as often as possible
- Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels
- Avoid tight fitting undergarments
- Avoid sunbathing
- Maintain normal weight and avoid salty food, alcohol, and nicotine
|
