Summer is the time when we pull short skirts or shorts out of the wardrobe, want to show off our tan and enjoy the warm season. But scientific research shows that almost every second person (40%) can't do that with an easy mind – that's how many complain of tired, aching and swollen legs. Chronic venous disease is a complex of symptoms presenting as heaviness, pain, swelling and cramps in the legs. As the disease progresses, skin changes appear, the surface veins dilate and start to itch, and trophic ulcers appear. So what influences this venous disease?

• older age (chronic venous insufficiency most often appears in women aged 40–49, and in men at 70–79);
• a sedentary lifestyle, standing work;
• being overweight and obesity;
• smoking (especially in men);
• female sex and hormonal factors (puberty, pregnancy, menopause);
• heat (underfloor heating, frequent sauna use, hot waxing);
• use of oral contraceptives;
• chronic constipation;
• wearing tight, close-fitting clothing;
• diabetes;
• a previous deep vein thrombosis.

We usually already know the treatments, but we lack knowledge about delaying, avoiding and preventing the disease. In fighting chronic venous disease, the most important things are prevention and noticing the slightest signs of the disease, because only that can help stop it developing and prevent complications. You can start with the simplest things, for example, raising the legs higher, muscle exercises, a cold shower for the legs, reducing excess weight, diet, and keeping a work-and-rest routine.