I have heavy legs: what can I do?
Heavy legs are often associated with venous insufficiency, a condition caused by poor blood circulation in the veins. The veins dilate and the valves, which prevent blood from flowing back downwards under the effect of gravity, malfunction. This problem is often linked to a lack of vein tone and loss of elasticity.
What are heavy legs?
👉 When veins lose their elasticity and tone, venous return to the heart is no longer assured, resulting in blood stagnation in the legs. The consequences are a feeling of heaviness, tension and sometimes swelling in the legs, feet and calves in particular. This condition can also cause pain.
These symptoms may worsen in summer, when temperatures rise, or with prolonged periods of standing. They may also be more pronounced in the days leading up to menstruation.
These symptoms can sometimes be compounded by impatience (tingling), edema (swelling of the feet and ankles) and the appearance of small, dilated red vessels on the legs. Nothing very pleasant indeed.
Factors aggravating heavy legs
Many factors can aggravate the phenomenon of heavy legs, including :
- Tobacco: impairs the vasomotricity of the veins, i.e. their ability to contract and relax properly.
- Heat: causes blood vessels to dilate, exacerbating symptoms.
- Excess weight: slows venous return by exerting additional pressure on the veins.
- Hormones: Certain hormone treatments or hormonal phases (such as pregnancy or menstruation) can influence blood circulation.
- A sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity can reduce the efficiency of venous return.
- Heredity: A family history of chronic venous disease can predispose to this problem.
Tips to relieve heavy legs
👉 To alleviate the effect of heavy legs, here are a few practical tips:
Use fresh water
❄️ Take cool water foot baths. This can help reduce swelling and relieve feelings of heaviness. Cool water stimulates blood circulation and reduces vein inflammation.
Wear appropriate clothing
❌ Avoid clothes that are too tight, especially around the legs and waist, as they can impede blood circulation. Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that don't compress the veins.
Regular physical activity
🏊🏻♀️ Physical exercise, such as walking or swimming, is excellent for stimulating blood circulation in the legs. Try to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine to promote good venous return.
Avoid heat sources
❌Saunas, prolonged exposure to the sun and hot waxing can aggravate the symptoms of heavy legs. Avoid these heat sources whenever possible.
Wear compression stockings
Compression stockings can be very effective in preventing and relieving heavy legs, especially on long plane journeys or when you have to stand for long periods. They exert graduated pressure on the legs, helping to maintain good blood circulation.
Specific solutions for the workplace
😕 When heavy legs become a problem at work, it can be difficult to apply some of the tips mentioned above. For example, if you work on your feet all day, like Elsie, a hospital nurse, some of the tips may seem impractical.
Elsie, who suffers from painful edema on a daily basis, co-created a dedicated leg treatment with us, called LEG IT GO. This product has been designed to complement the use of compression stockings, offering additional relief thanks to its cooling effect and circulation-boosting active ingredients. What's more, it has moisturizing properties, avoiding the sticky or drying sensation often found with other gels on the market.
LEG IT GO ingredients and active ingredients
LEG IT GO is distinguished by its innovative and effective formula. Here are the main ingredients and their benefits 🥰 :
- Menthol: Known for its immediate cooling effect, menthol quickly helps relieve leg heaviness and fatigue.
- Red vine extract: This ingredient is rich in flavonoids, which are known to improve blood circulation and strengthen vein walls.
- Cypress essential oil: Recognized for its toning and decongesting properties, helping to reduce edema.
- Horse chestnut extract: This powerful natural anti-inflammatory helps reduce vein inflammation and relieve pain associated with heavy legs.
- Glycerin: deeply moisturizes the skin, leaving legs soft and supple after application.
How do I use LEG IT GO?
🤩 To make the most of LEG IT GO, apply it regularly and correctly:
- Morning and evening application: Apply the gel morning and evening to clean, dry legs for optimum relief.
- Massage upwards: Gently massage upwards from the ankles to the thighs to encourage venous return.
- Complementary use: Use LEG IT GO as a complement to compression stockings, especially when standing or sitting for long periods.
Adopt good lifestyle habits
👉 In addition to local treatments and practical tips, adopting good lifestyle habits is crucial to preventing and relieving heavy legs:
A balanced diet
🍎 🫛 Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet can significantly improve blood circulation. Choose foods rich in fiber, antioxidants and omega-3s. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish and nuts are particularly beneficial.
Hydration
💧 Drinking enough water is essential to avoid water retention and edema. Water helps to thin the blood and improve circulation. Try to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day.
Avoid static positions
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. If you must remain in a static position, take regular breaks to walk and move your legs. This helps to activate blood circulation and prevent blood stagnation.
Raising the legs
When at rest, try to elevate your legs to facilitate venous return. Use a cushion or footrest to keep your legs elevated in relation to your heart.
Conclusion
✅ Heavy legs can be a source of great discomfort, but with the right strategies and products, it's possible to relieve these symptoms. By avoiding aggravating factors, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and using products such as LEG IT GOYou can improve circulation and reduce the feeling of heaviness and pain in your legs.
Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. By taking care of your legs with the right practices and products, you can regain lightness and comfort in your everyday life.
