How to relieve heavy legs? Venous insufficiency. Learn the symptoms. Discover how to improve blood circulation.
Many of us downplay the feeling of heavy legs, but when we suddenly notice worrying visible symptoms on our legs, we discover the first signs of poor circulation. Venous insufficiency in the legs affects half of the Polish population, mainly women and the elderly, and its occurrence may be hereditary.
Introduce exercise and diet for venous insufficiency
Swollen ankles, spider veins, or varicose veins are treated mainly as a cosmetic problem, but as medical specialists always emphasize, they can pose a serious threat to the entire body. Long-lasting problems with venous insufficiency in the legs can cause a number of microcirculation disorders.
What we can do to reduce venous insufficiency problems in the limbs is to change from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one. Today, despite the current prevailing fashion for sports and a healthy diet, many of us still spend our evenings in front of the TV and do not care about a healthy diet. Many people suffer from obesity, which contributes to venous insufficiency. Make daily walks a habit, reach for Nordic walking poles, and start moving in any form, because exercise is health. Health also means a healthy diet; limit your consumption of fatty and salty foods, increase the amount of vegetables you eat, and it is also important to drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
Venous insufficiency – first symptoms, how to recognize?
The first symptom indicating poor circulation is cold feet, however, due to the fact that many people suffer from this ailment, the first signs of poor circulation are often downplayed. Learn the symptoms of venous insufficiency:
- cold feet
- muscle cramps
- foot and leg pain
- spider veins
- leg swelling
- swollen ankles
- feeling of heavy legs
- varicose veins
If you have cold feet, your legs often swell, and you have a feeling of heaviness, this is the first sign that it is time to see a medical specialist. Long-lasting pain in your feet and legs is also a reason to visit a doctor, who will prescribe the necessary treatment and suggest wearing compression stockings or socks that increase blood circulation. During a medical visit, you can have your foot blood flow determined and receive a referral for an ultrasound examination (Doppler).
Venous insufficiency – how to help and how to increase blood circulation?
Venous insufficiency is an ailment that cannot be gotten rid of, but it can be alleviated by working on increasing blood circulation. Taking care of increased blood circulation can help avoid complications. How to increase blood circulation?
- Get moving (walking, Nordic walking, running)
- Rest with your legs elevated above your heart (on a pillow or table)
- Care for your skin
- Massage your feet and calves, preferably while in the shower
- Wear compression stockings or Reflexa non-binding circulation-boosting socks
An effective form of treatment and prevention of venous insufficiency is the daily wearing of Reflexa medical socks or compression stockings.
Compression stockings
Compression therapy is used for poor circulation and venous insufficiency. Compression stockings not only increase blood circulation but also provide support for the muscles. Their compressive design assists blood flow in the veins. They work like a traditional leg massage while walking.
Wearing compression stockings is recommended to alleviate symptoms of poor circulation and for prevention. They should be worn by all office workers, drivers, and salespeople—people who spend most of the day in one sitting or standing position. They are especially recommended for travel by plane or car and can help you spend your vacation without the feeling of heavy legs. Stockings are also recommended for pregnant women, as the pressure reduces swelling. While not yet popular in Poland, compression stockings are already a must-have abroad.
Reflexa 1st degree compression stockings are the only ones that increase circulation in two ways. Circulation is increased not only through specialized pressure but also thanks to the properties of Quattroxy mineral yarn, which can increase blood flow and cell oxygenation, nourishing and regenerating tissues.