Feeling heavy legs - home remedies for heavy legs
Technological progress has had an enormous impact on our lives, and it's not just about having an internet-enabled phone in our hand and knowing that we can find answers to important questions with it or watching videos of funny cats.
The fact that much of the work in various sectors of the economy is done in a sitting or standing position - sometimes for the whole 8 hours, with a short break in the middle - means that the human body, which by its very nature "likes" to move, begins to fail.
The truth is that both standing and sitting all day can cause, among other things, varicose veins. However, before this happens, several other ailments appear, which herald the arrival of a more severe problem.
Such symptoms include, for example, the heaviness of the legs. Sometimes we quite wrongly blame it on tiredness. Unless we have been exercising intensively, we cannot say that tiredness is to blame.
Rather, it is a systemic issue related to, among other things, blood circulation and sometimes electrolyte disturbances and the nervous system. Therefore, leg weakness is not something we should ignore. It is worth knowing effective ways to combat this ailment, but also how to eliminate its causes.
Weakness in the legs – causes
To understand the reasons why we can feel such ailments, it is necessary to look at how blood and, in general, all body fluids circulate in our bodies. Movement is our friend in this case.
Remaining in one position for a long time - standing or sitting - causes the oxygenated blood transported to the lower limbs to get there, but it has problems returning to the heart. We stand or sit - in this position, gravity does its work.
The lack of activity, which is a series of contractions that set our body in motion, means that the valves pushing blood out in the veins are unable to work as they should. Therefore, symptoms such as heavy calves, pain, and tired legs appear. We feel like doing nothing at all. This is often accompanied by swelling and even numbness.
The same problems can also occur as a result of wearing too tight clothing which restricts the free flow of body fluids. This is especially true of underwear with sewn-on elastic bands and welts.
The cause may also be an improper diet, rich in salt, and, consequently, excess weight.
Extra weight also causes the feeling of heavy legs during pregnancy. It is also related to the change in position of the pelvis, which starts to put pressure on the blood vessels.
Slightly different problems can be leg weakness and calf cramps after waking up. Here, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and dehydration are most frequently cited as the cause.
How to combat the feeling of heavy legs?
First of all, it is worth taking care to replenish your fluids. The human body needs a large amount of water for normal functioning. A well-balanced diet, but also mineral water allows replenishing vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron.
They are necessary for the proper functioning of, among others, the circulatory system, the nervous system, and the muscular system. Their deficiencies may result, for example, in painful cramps. The feeling of weak legs may also relate to an improper diet, vitamin deficiencies, and electrolyte disturbances.
Sluggish calves caused by standing or sitting are a problem that can be solved by taking frequent, even short breaks.
The idea is to change your body position, stretch, take a walk even around the office and get some oxygen. You can also do simple exercises at your desk. Avoid putting one foot in front of the other, although the temptation is great.
It's also a good idea to go through your wardrobe, especially your underwear. Perhaps some of them can be replaced with non-padded versions?
After work, find time for physical activity. And I don't mean competitive running or some strenuous sports. A visit to the swimming pool and a quiet swim or regular walks with the dog are enough. This will also have a beneficial effect on our general well-being and condition.
One good idea is to use compression therapy, i.e., to wear compression tights or stockings. However, before you buy the first, it would be good to consult your doctor.
The point is to choose the one with the appropriate degree of compression - there are several of them and choosing the wrong one may do you more harm than good.
The advantage of such tights is that they look the same as normal tights. However, they have a slightly different weave which allows the pressure to be gradually distributed over the whole leg.
It is also a good idea to use ointments that reduce swelling of the legs and strengthen blood vessels. In their composition, you will find extracts of horse chestnut and rutin.
