Home office: preventing thrombosis

Christine Albert studied German linguistics and literature as well as Scandinavian studies at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg. She is currently doing a traineeship at Hubert Burda Media and is writing, among other things, for

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No way to work, no way to the canteen or printer: employees often sit more in the home office than in the office. The veins, however, enjoy a little variety.

Because of Corona, more people work in the home office - and then move less under certain circumstances. This can increase the risk of thrombosis. But even small exercises can have a preventive effect, explains the Federal Association for Health Information and Consumer Protection (BGV).

Exercising regularly can help

When lying or sitting, the blood flows more slowly in the veins, which can increase the tendency to clot. That is why it is important to get up regularly or to do small gymnastic exercises, especially after long work at the desk, according to the association. When sitting or standing, you can stretch and stretch yourself, for example, or do a few squats every now and then. The association also provides some exercise templates:

Seated seesaw

For the rocker, for example, sit on a chair or stool with your back straight. The upper and lower legs should form a right angle. Then pull the heels of both both up while keeping your toes on the ground. Then loosen and press your heels back to the ground. It is best to repeat the exercise up to ten times at a brisk pace.

Venous pump on the wall

Stand against a wall. Walk in a step position: Bend your front leg slightly and straighten your back leg so that the sole of your foot touches the ground. This creates a stretch in the calf of the extended leg, which you should feel by pulling gently. Hold the position for about 15 seconds. Then switch legs and repeat the exercise twice.

Venous pump with the help of a chair

Put one heel on a chair in front of you. Bend your body slightly forward. Now pull the tip of the toe of the extended leg towards the body to stretch the calf. Switch legs after about 15 seconds and repeat the exercise with the other leg.

Cycling and feet circling

Lie on your back and raise both legs. Make sure that your lumbar spine stays on the floor. Now you ride your bike in the air. Take a break after about 30 seconds before repeating the exercise. Always put your legs down one after the other. You can also do another exercise in this position.

To do this, put one leg down and lift the other leg at a right angle. Now circle the foot of the raised leg ten times alternately inwards and outwards. Then repeat the exercise with the other leg. You can also do this exercise on a chair or stool. Extend one leg forward and circle your foot.

Recognize thrombosis: pain and swelling

In a thrombosis, a clot forms in a blood vessel, often affecting the leg veins. Risk factors are, for example, a previous operation. But inflammation, varicose veins and cancer can also increase the risk. As soon as one or more risk factors are present, you should speak to your family doctor, recommends the BGV.

If a blood clot blocks a vein in the leg, this can manifest itself as pain in the calf. Sometimes patients only feel a feeling of heaviness or tension in the leg in question. Other signs may include swelling and bluish discoloration of the skin. These symptoms do not have to occur together, you should consult a doctor for one of them. (approx / dpa)

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