Heavy and swollen legs: causes and remedies for venous insufficiency

C.aldo and heavy legs, an equation that becomes a problem for many women. It is about venous insufficiency which increases with high temperatures due to the dilation of the veins and the stagnation of liquids due to a much slower drainage. All because the so-called Lejars insole, placed at the soles of the feet, is not adequately stressed. But run for cover is possible.

Heavy and swollen legs in high temperatures, what happens?

The lower extremities play a fundamental role in proper blood circulation of the cardiovascular system. “Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when there is a slowdown in the venous return from the lower limbs to the heart, a condition that in addition to being chronic is evolutionary. It can originate from a real disease of the veins of the lower limbs causing theorganic chronic venous insufficiency or by an alteration of the functionality of the vein alone, leading to afunctional chronic venous insufficiencyThe doctor explains Arianna Danieli, Surgeon, Specialist in Vascular Surgery.

Getty Images

Chronic venous insufficiency: organic or functional?

Given that there are at the base of this problem familiarity, overweight or obesity, pregnancy, poor posture and an increased predisposition for womenthe two types of chronic venous insufficiency differ from each other “Very common among women, it is estimated that in Italy 3 out of 10 women are affected, theChronic organic venous insufficiency is caused by a dilation of the vein wall of the lower limbs which causes a malfunction. These they no longer allow the passage of blood upwards but they also let it fall downwards due to the force of gravity, or in a non-physiological direction, with consequent venous stasis.

L’Chronic functional venous insufficiency, on the other hand, results from an overload of the veins which can be caused by incorrect postures, poor movement of the lower limbs or alterations in the muscle pump »explains the expert.

The importance of Solothurn Lejars

In the case of chronic venous insufficiency, both organic and functional, the Insole Lejars plays a fundamental role. Anatomically speaking, it is one dense network of venous vessels located under the skin of the sole of the foot and which can be thought of as a sponge. “To walk it allows the squeezing of this sponge with consequent return of the blood from the lower limbs to the heart. When you do not carry out a habitual physical exercise that stimulates this site or when for various reasons a correct foot support is lacking, the function of this structure becomes jammed with consequent venous stasis“.

The heat increases the feeling of heavy legs

To this must be added humidity and high temperatures which worsen the situation. In fact, in summer the heat causes a vasodilation that acts on the malfunction already present thus increasing the discomfort.

How to act? «In the summer period they are particularly useful phlebotrophic supplements which improve venous tone e they help drain liquids that stagnate in the lower limbs “explains the doctor.

The cold, a great ally

To counter this effect, the first great remedy is that cold it helps to avoid vasodilation thus giving relief. For this it is it is essential to always keep your legs fresheven before going to bed in the evening, wetting them with jets of cold water or applying creams with an ice effect on the calves “The cold promotes vasoconstriction and the consequent drainage of accumulated fluids during the day with an immediate sense of relief »explains Dr. Danieli.

Remedies for heavy legs: walking and natural oils

It is fundamental then walk, at least 30 minutes a day, so as to stimulate the Insole Lejars. In alternatively graduated compression stockings are also suitable which “act by compressing in a decreasing way, from the ankle going up to the knee or thigh, so as to favor the return of blood to the heart and improve circulation” he explains Rosy Trindade, extethist and onychologist.

Fitwalking: what it is and the benefits of fast walking

Fitwalking: what it is and the benefits of fast walking

In addition to socks, which are annoying with high temperatures, there are also gods topical and systemic products suitable for the problem: «In the first case it is a question of both refreshing sprays that perform an emollient, soothing and refreshing action. They are many indicated too grapeseed oil and essential oils that counteract water retention and cellulite, promoting lymphatic drainage and providing help to microcirculation. Also used for draining massages, the most suitable are those of rosemary, sage and thyme because they release excess fluids and from the toxins present in depth. They also act by improving the appearance of the skin, making it smoother and more toned »explains Trindade.

To this are added the herbal teas, especially those based on thyme oil that stimulate the lymphatic system and venous circulation.

Self-massages to do at home …

But to relieve the feeling of heaviness in the extremities is also useful right self-massage that relieves swelling, ideal at the end of the day before going to bed.

«You lie on your back with a small ball between the size of the grapefruit and the melon (but a towel or a crumpled t-shirt are also suitable for the purpose) to be placed on the thigh at the height of the groin. While lying on your back, you bend your knee to your chest so as to squeeze the ball between the inner thigh and the groin in order to apply light pressure at the inguinal lymph node. By repeating this exercise five or six times, you perform a pumping aimed at emptying this gland ”explains Rosy Trindade.

This exercise is important because allows the drainage of the lymphatic systemsimilar to the circulatory one but more delicate and superficial than it allows it moves the lymph in order to avoid stagnation.

Very useful for moving the lymphatic system is also another gentle but constant massage performed with the cut hand that moves from the periphery upwards as if you wanted to bring up drops of water. “Alternatively, you can also practice a sort of ‘squeezing’ of the leg by placing one hand after the other with the fingers spread, a bit like when you roll out the pizza dough on the pan”.

… And the exercises to do in the office

Not to those to be done at home, there are also simple exercises to be performed in the office. «They are important because they allow you to activate the calf muscle pump after sitting at your desk for a long time “specifies Dr. Danieli who explains:” The first involves getting up on tiptoes, holding the position for a few seconds and then slowly returning to the starting position “.

The second, on the other hand, is done while seated, “the heels are lifted by leveraging the forefoot for a few seconds, and then slowly return to the starting position” advises Dr. Danieli.

The treatments to be done at the beauty center

Among the latest innovations, the lymphatic massage with Vodder methodwhich can also be followed by muds or draining bandages: “At the forefront, the lymphatic massage with the Vodder Method uses the same technique of stimulation of the legs and feet that can also be performed at home but obtaining double the result thanks to a more precise manipulation and delicate that acts with circular and oval movements on the lymphatic system »explains Rosy Trindade.

Following you can also make draining bandages, apply gauze soaked in substances that perform a detox action for the body. Also not to be underestimated power of the hydromassage, to be carried out on all legs or even only on the plantar levelgives immediate relief to the legs at the end of the day, concludes Trindade.

iO Donna © REPRODUCTION RESERVED

ttn-13