In Belgium more than 7 out of 10 people are affected by chronic venous disease [1]
Chronic veinous disease is a widespread but underestimated disease
Today, Servier is launching LegsFirst, a national awareness campaign on chronic venous disease. The aim is to inform the general public about this condition, which remains largely overlooked despite its high prevalence and significant impact on quality of life.
In Belgium, a study conducted with over 6000 people reveals that more than 7 out of 10 Belgians show clinical signs of venous disease. And less than half are actually diagnosed. The result? Many wait too long before consulting, which can worsen the situation.
Symptoms like heavy legs, pain, and swelling are common but often trivialized. Women, older individuals, people with a high BMI, and those in jobs that require prolonged standing (teachers, hairdressers, caregivers…) are particularly at risk.
Breaking misconceptions: dispelling myths to enable better prevention of chronic veinous disease
One major obstacle to managing this condition is the persistence of misconceptions. Many patients delay seeking care, mistakenly believing symptoms are normal signs of fatigue or aging.
It is important to distinguish between the early stages, which do not have the same impact on health, but which should not be neglected!
Dr Janine Quaniers, phlebologist. Support and participant in the campaign.
LegsFirst aims to change this perception by giving voice to those affected. Amongst them is Gerda, 55, who wanted to share. She explains:
“I’ve learned the hard way that it’s crucial to take care of your legs from the very first signs. Don’t let the symptoms get worse.”
Isabelle is 51 and also suffers from chronic veinous disease. She tells about her everyday life:
“The constant swelling and discomfort made me seek help. Now I’m being followed up, and I feel better.”
A national movement supported by familiar faces
A national movement with familiar faces
To amplify the cause’s visibility, two well-known Belgian personalities, Sandrine Corman and Nathalie Meskens, have joined in the initiative.
Sandrine Corman says:
“I chose to take part in this campaign because it’s important to raise awareness about this condition. Too many people still don’t realise they may be suffering from venous issues, even when clear symptoms are present. It’s time for that to change. By sharing my experience and showing my legs, I hope to encourage everyone to ask the right questions and not hesitate to seek medical advice. Prevention and early detection are key to keeping our legs healthy.”
LegsFirst aims to break the silence, highlight the importance of prevention, and encourage everyone to take action before symptoms become debilitating.
Simple actions to preserve one’s legs health
Preventing chronic veinous disease also means adopting good daily habits such as:
- Avoiding prolonged standing,
- Elevating lyour legs whenever possible,
- Engaging in regular physical activity,
- Preventing excessive weight gain,
- Consulting a doctor or pharmacist as soon as symptoms appear.
A treatment may be recommended to improve venous comfort (healthy lifestyle, oral venoactive drugs, compression stockings, etc.).
An online test for chronic veinous disease
A free online test is now available on the official website (in French or Dutch): legsfirst.be. In just a few clicks, anyone can assess their risk and determine whether it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
By shedding light on the effects of chronic venous disease and the available solutions, LegsFirst empowers every Belgian to take charge of their venous health.
With this campaign, Servier reaffirms its commitment to staying close to patients and championing preventive healthcare.
Discover #LegsFirst in video:
Sources:
- Epidemiological Study on Chronic Venous Disease in Belgium and Luxembourg: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Symptomatology M.E. Vuylsteke, S. Thomis, G. Guillaume, M.L. Modliszewski, N. Weides, I. Staelens
