Although summer is generally considered a pleasant season for many people, summer temperatures can nevertheless be a source of inconvenience: digestive disorders, fatigue, poor quality sleep, etc. Among these symptoms, the feeling of heavy legs can also occur. prove particularly annoying. What exactly is it, and what can we do about it?
What is the feeling of heavy legs?
This phenomenon is caused by poor circulation of blood in the veins. Women are the main affected.
Main causes
Different causes can cause the feeling of heavy legs. First of all, poor blood circulation is one of the main causes of this symptom. It can in particular be due to chronic venous disease.
Then there is prolonged standing. Staying for long hours without moving (or just stomping) can cause blood to accumulate in the legs and a feeling of heaviness. Certain professional sectors are more concerned: catering, care, sales, etc.
Water retention in the lower limbs can also be the cause of this feeling of heaviness. It can be due to factors such as heat, poor diet as well as certain pathologies (hormonal imbalances, heart failure, etc.). The feeling of heavy legs can also come from genetic factors. Indeed, heredity can play a major role. The risk of suffering from this sensation will be greater if there is a family history of chronic venous disease.
Being overweight and obese also usually leads to this type of feeling. Excess weight increases pressure in the legs while slowing venous return. Finally, pregnancy also turns out to be a major cause of the feeling of heavy legs. During this period, the weight of the uterus exerts significant pressure and compression on the veins of the legs, thus amplifying this sensation.
In short, there are various causes that can cause the feeling of heavy legs. And although it may be of a harmless origin, it nevertheless remains possible that the cause is more serious. It is therefore important to discuss this symptom with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and obtain the most appropriate treatment and advice.
Symptoms
The feeling of heavy legs is frequently accompanied by other symptoms. Among the main ones, we find:
- Pain , which can impact the general condition and level of well-being.
- Swelling of the legs . It can also be located at the ankles and on the top of the foot. This phenomenon can sometimes create difficulties when putting on shoes. However, it generally disappears after a night's rest.
- Cramps, manifested by painful contractions in the calves.
- Itching (or pruritus), mainly at the bottom of the calves.
- The impatience . Also known as restless legs syndrome, they correspond to unpleasant sensations such as numbness, tingling or even tingling. They occur following prolonged immobilization, usually corresponding to the period of sleep. This can therefore lead to an alteration in the quality of sleep.
- Telangiectasias. This is the permanent dilation of the networks of small red vessels, visible to the naked eye in the legs. Pressing on this area reduces the redness.
Although the feeling of heavy legs alone is not a serious symptom, it can nevertheless have repercussions on the quality of life: alteration of one's body image, difficulty walking, etc.
Aggravating factors
In addition to the causes previously mentioned, certain elements can worsen the feeling of heavy legs. Heat is one of these aggravating factors. High temperatures can indeed have a significant impact on the vascular system.
During exposure to high heat, the body will implement an essential mechanism for thermoregulation: vasodilation. This increases blood flow to the skin in order to dissipate body heat.
However, this vasodilation can also lead to increased pressure in the veins, making the feeling of heavy legs worse. A sedentary lifestyle is also considered an aggravating factor.
In fact, remaining immobile or not very active leads to a reduction in venous pumping (because it is induced by muscular activity). The blood in the veins will then tend to stagnate, therefore contributing to the feeling of heaviness. Finally, the days before your period can worsen the feeling of heavy legs. The cause: hormonal fluctuations.
Treatments and remedies
Medication
The feeling of heavy legs, without associated pathology, can be relieved by drug treatment . In this context, it is mainly venotonics that are used. Also known as phlebotonics, they help improve the tone of the vessels.
Their mechanisms of action help to reduce the feeling of heavy legs as well as the associated symptoms. These are medications available for sale in pharmacies without a prescription. However, they are not reimbursed by social security.
There are also other products available in the form of creams and gels. Providing a feeling of freshness, they are generally applied at the end of the day. The active ingredient of which they are composed helps improve venous return. They thus help to soothe unpleasant sensations such as heat or heaviness.
Natural treatments
To relieve the symptoms of heavy legs, medication is not the only solution. Indeed, natural remedies made from plants have also proven effective. Among the forms available, we mainly find:- Essential oils .
- Plant-based food supplements .
Sports activity
Exercising is also an effective treatment. Walking is also one of the most recommended sports in this case. It is indeed an effective activity to reduce symptoms and thus have better blood circulation.
When walking, the calf muscles contract and the feet act like a real pump to propel the blood more efficiently. Other sports such as cycling or aquabiking are also recommended. Note that certain activities such as running or tennis on hard ground should be avoided.
Prevent the feeling of heavy legs
Thanks to compression stockings
Compression stockings are positioned as the reference treatment for heavy legs without pathological cause. Their anatomical effectiveness has also been proven. These are socks or stockings made with tight mesh which exert pressure through mechanical force on the lower limbs.
This venous compression from the ankle helps improve the return of venous blood. However, for the compression to be uniform, the installation must be careful.
For optimal effectiveness, compression stockings must be worn all day . They must therefore be put on as soon as you wake up (ideally before getting up), on dry skin. They guarantee significant comfort as well as a very rapid improvement in the condition of the legs. In the event of a medical prescription, compression stockings are covered by social security.
By respecting certain precautions
Certain measures can indeed prevent and relieve the feeling of heavy legs. It is particularly recommended:- Avoid exposing the legs to heat. This includes the sun, but also hot baths, underfloor heating…
- Take a shower with cold water , particularly at the end of the day.
- Eat a balanced diet and practice regular physical activity to prevent weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Avoid, if possible, prolonged standing.
- Sleep with your legs slightly elevated to relieve discomfort linked to the feeling of heavy legs.
- To limit the wearing of heels higher than 6 cm.
- Do not wear clothes that are too tight at the waist, hips and legs. These can indeed make blood circulation more difficult.
- Avoid crossing your legs.
