Do you have heavy legs? You are not the only one: it is an evil which affects more than 15 million French people. What are they due to and what to do in case of heavy legs? Here are 9 tips to relieve them and find light legs.
Why do we have heavy legs?
It all starts with a feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs. Very often it appears when it is hot, when we have remained standing too long or after a state of fatigue at the end of the day. The legs appear swollen or numb. But what is this phenomenon due to? Heavy legs are actually a sign of poor blood circulation or venous insufficiency. The veins have a small valve which, when too fragile, does not function properly. In this case, the blood from the feet does not rise sufficiently to the heart and "stagnates" in the legs, thus giving the painful impression of heavy legs.
This sensation may be accompanied by tingling as well as cramps, swelling or spider veins (purplish red vessels). In the most extreme cases, the phenomenon of heavy legs can lead to bigger problems of varicose veins and phlebitis.
Heavy legs can have several origins:
- heredity: if there are cases of heavy legs or venous disease in the family, the risk of developing this disease is greater.
- overweight: high cholesterol weakens blood vessels.
- a lack of physical exercise: the contraction of the muscles allows the blood to return properly to the heart. Without physical effort, it is more difficult for the blood to come back up. If you have a sedentary activity where you do not move much or not and which does not require movement, it also increases the chances of developing venous disease.
- smoking: it decreases the tone of the veins.
Also be aware that age and gender are also factors that can increase the risk of developing venous insufficiency. This type of problem increases in fact as we age and the phenomenon of heavy legs is more common in women. The number of pregnancies also increases the risk of developing chronic venous disease.
Heavy legs: the solutions to relieve them?
If you suffer from these symptoms, there are still a few things you can do (or avoid!) To relieve yourself when your legs are heavy. Here are some simple tips for you to find light legs!
1. Make the daily cold water jet your best friend!
End your shower with a spray of cold water on your legs and avoid hot baths. In fact, in hot weather: the veins in your legs will tend to dilate. Too frequent sauna sessions and hot waxing are therefore just as inadvisable for women who are prone to heavy leg sensations.
2. Sleep with your feet raised
Stillness during sleep slows blood flow. Elevating your feet about ten centimeters (using cushions, for example) helps the blood flow back up to the heart. Are you on the move? Never mind, place a thick book under your mattress and voila!
3. Dare to restrain
No, it is not reserved for senior and fourth age people, but for all people who suffer from heavy leg sensations. It is also an accessory not to be missed on days of telecommuting, where by definition, physical efforts are more limited than when going to the office. Moreover, contrary to what one might think, they can be elegant and trendy, and brands today are overflowing with imagination and know-how to offer a restraint as effective as it is pretty, in all shades, the possible shapes and patterns.
This is the case, for example, with the Perfect Contention range from DIM. A collection that is both elegant, comfortable and efficient. Composed of 4 tights and 3 knee-highs (transparent, opaque, ultra-opaque and fancy), the range is available in several shades (black, flesh, navy blue, and red). Combining specific knitting and ultra-stretch fiber, these products slip on easily and are comfortable to wear. Their decreasing compression from the ankle to the thigh relieves and prevents symptoms of heavy legs in style!
Wear socks or compression stockings daily to relieve yourself, but avoid tight clothing (boots, clothes, belt, etc.), which will only accentuate your pain by restricting good blood circulation.
In partnership with Dim
4. Move without moderation, even at home!
Regular physical activity promotes blood circulation. And for that, you don't necessarily have to travel miles or invest in expensive gym classes. A tablet, a gym mat, and yoga, Pilates or even fitness exercises at home. There are now courses delivered for free on Instagram or YouTube or dedicated apps by great coaches who compete in inventiveness to get us moving. Outside the home, cycling, swimming, going to the gym or even dancing can be particularly beneficial in limiting blood circulation problems.
On the other hand, avoid sports that are too violent for the legs, such as rugby, basketball, judo or tennis. These are indeed sports that cause jerks and overwhelm the arch of the foot, which blocks the circulation of blood in the legs.
On a daily basis, especially when you are stuck at home or at the office for long hours, you can also do little things to improve your blood circulation: prefer the stairs to the elevator, walk 20 minutes in a tonic way …
5. Treat yourself to a good massage!
In the evening, treat yourself to a well-deserved moment of relaxation before going to bed. Lie on your back and do pedaling movements with the legs. End your session with a small massage starting at the ankles and going upwards, alone or with the help of a fresh and decongestant treatment packed with active ingredients to boost blood circulation such as horse chestnut, blackcurrant or again the red vine.
It is also possible to opt for a more thorough massage, such as lymphatic drainage (usually performed by a masseur-physiotherapist), a palpate-roll or a spa treatment.
How about taking a look at the legs of the stars?
Homemade recipes for heavy legs
There are creams on sale in pharmacies that relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs.
The doctor may also prescribe venotonics to help with venous tone. But natural solutions are often very effective.
6. A good herbal tea, and it starts again!
To relieve the feeling of heavy legs, you should drink a lot, at least 1.5 l of water or herbal tea per day, which you can make with red vine (known for its action on the tone and resistance of the veins ) and olive tree for more efficiency.
7. Boost massages with essential oils
Take in your hands a little vegetable oil of hazelnut and sunflower and essential oils of lavandin, cypress, rosemary, lemongrass, cistus, or thyme (4 or 5 drops diluted in 20 cl of vegetable oil) with which you can massage yourself by going up from the ankles to the knees. You can also take baths (not too hot) with essential oils to relieve your legs.
8. Indispensable sweet almond oil
Apply it every day after showering or bathing, summer and winter, to soften your skin, guaranteeing comfort. Our favorite: 100% pure Birth Sweet Almond Oil, available on Amazon.
9. Sea bathing, the well-being tip
Remember that walking in the sea is still the best and most economical way to combat heavy legs. A good excuse to take a trip to the beach when we have the opportunity to move around again.
Don't you live near the ocean? Don't panic, you can also take a tonic walk in a pool that will reach at least your knees deep. Finally, you can also bathe your legs in a little hot water to which you have added a little sea salt to relieve your legs, or Epsom salt, which relaxes the muscles and promotes good blood circulation.
Finally, do not hesitate to see your doctor even if your symptoms seem mild. They will be in the best position to diagnose your problem and advise you on the appropriate treatment.