Especially when it gets warmer, many people complain of heavy legs. We’ll show you what causes this and what natural remedies can help.
Our legs perform at their best every day. Without us noticing, they constantly pump blood towards the heart while we walk, stand, sit or lie down. A good four to six liters of blood constantly circulate through the veins of our body. It is understandable that our legs can get tired from time to time – but for many people, heavy legs are a burden in the long run. In this article, you will find out possible causes for this and natural remedies for heavy legs.
Heavy legs due to venous insufficiency – see a doctor if you suspect this
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / josemdelaa)
To make sure that your heavy legs are not caused by an underlying illness, you should always see a doctor first. Heavy, tired legs can also be a sign of weak veins. This can be genetic or caused by incorrect movement and should be treated by a doctor.
Signs of venous insufficiency can include:
- swollen ankles, fluid retention
- itchy and tingling legs, skin eczema
- stabbing pain
Even if you don’t notice any of the above symptoms, if you often feel like your legs are heavy, you should definitely ask a doctor for advice. Spider veins or varicose veins should also be examined.
Common causes of heavy legs
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / StartupStockPhotos)
In addition to genetically caused venous weakness, your veins can also be exposed to other stresses. Even routine movements in everyday life can lead to your veins being strained over time and their blood circulation being disrupted.
- For example, if you spend a lot of time in one position – sitting or standing, for example – the blood in your legs literally builds up. Pain and heavy legs are the result.
- This can be particularly stressful in summer. The blood vessels are particularly dilated in warm weather, which means that the venous valves no longer close properly. Blood circulation is made more difficult and the legs feel heavy and weak.
- Even after a long day of exercise, your legs can swell in the evening. Pain is not uncommon.
Natural remedies for heavy legs
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Lazare)
If you have heavy legs that are not caused by venous disease, you can remedy the problem with a few simple tips:
Put your feet up
If you spend a long time at your desk, put your legs up every now and then. This will get your blood circulation going again and take the strain off your legs.
To keep moving
No matter where you are, you will always find time for these exercises:
- Get the blood flowing in your leg muscles with minimal movements: for example, while sitting, spread your toes as far apart as you can and then relax again after a few seconds.
- While standing, you can rock back and forth. Shift your weight from your toes to your heels and back again. An ideal way to pass the time while queuing in the supermarket or waiting at the bus stop.
- Or, when you have a quiet moment, lie on your back and swing your legs in circles in the air as if you were riding a bike.
The right footwear
Wear flat, comfortable shoes, especially in summer, to relieve pressure on your veins. Shoes with heels, on the other hand, can make the discomfort worse. You can also take your shoes off more often and walk barefoot.
Alternating showers
To really get your circulation going, try a tried and tested contrast shower: rinse your body and legs several times with alternating warm and cold water, always moving from the foot to the thigh.
Do sports regularly
If you want to strengthen your tired legs permanently, plan moderate exercise into your daily routine. Regular training strengthens your muscles and ensures that the blood flow throughout the body is improved. The only thing that will cause your legs to feel heavy is muscle soreness!
Drink a lot
Sufficient fluid is essential for good blood circulation. Especially in summer, you should drink plenty of water or tea.
TIP: If you want to prevent heavy legs in the long term, you can get support stockings from a specialist retailer. Support or compression stockings stabilize your veins by exerting light pressure on them from the outside. This reduces the size of enlarged veins, which allows the venous valves to close better again. This allows the blood to circulate unhindered. Compression stockings are available in four strengths. Ask for advice from a specialist retailer or pharmacy.
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Edited by Laura Hintereder
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