TIRED AND
SWOLLEN LEGS:
what to do.
Heavy, swollen, or tired legs, especially at the end of the day? Do not ignore these signs: they could be the red flags of an overload of the venous system.
Understanding the causes and knowing the most effective remedies is the first step to preserve the well-being of your veins and take care of your legs.
Understanding the causes and knowing the most effective remedies is the first step to preserve the well-being of your veins and take care of your legs.
What does it mean to have heavy, tired legs?
The feeling of tired, heavy legs is a common disorder that may be associated with fatigue in lower limbs, often related to tension, swelling, cramps or tingling at night. This condition may be temporary, or it may hide deeper venous problems that need to be addressed before they become chronic. But, how does venous return work in legs?
The venous system consists of a thick network of veins that transport oxygen-poor blood from the periphery of the body to the heart, where it will be re-oxygenated by lungs and recirculated. Inside veins, vein valves perform an essential function: they allow blood to flow upwards towards the heart , preventing it from flowing back due to the force of gravity.
The functioning of valves, mainly in the lower limbs, is closely linked to the action of muscles. When we walk or move our legs, muscles contract and compress the veins that push the blood upwards. Valves open to allow its passage, closing immediately afterwards to prevent backflow. This mechanism, known as ‘muscle pump’, is essential to ensure proper venous return.
When these valves do not work properly or blood flow slows down, blood tends to stagnate in veins, which causes symptoms such as heaviness, swelling, pain, small varicose veins and, in severe cases, Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
The venous system consists of a thick network of veins that transport oxygen-poor blood from the periphery of the body to the heart, where it will be re-oxygenated by lungs and recirculated. Inside veins, vein valves perform an essential function: they allow blood to flow upwards towards the heart , preventing it from flowing back due to the force of gravity.
The functioning of valves, mainly in the lower limbs, is closely linked to the action of muscles. When we walk or move our legs, muscles contract and compress the veins that push the blood upwards. Valves open to allow its passage, closing immediately afterwards to prevent backflow. This mechanism, known as ‘muscle pump’, is essential to ensure proper venous return.
When these valves do not work properly or blood flow slows down, blood tends to stagnate in veins, which causes symptoms such as heaviness, swelling, pain, small varicose veins and, in severe cases, Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
Main causes of tired and heavy legs
Among the main causes of tired and heavy legs, we can mention physiological and lifestyle factors that, individually or in combination, interfere with proper blood circulation.
Physiological factors include gender, with a higher incidence in women, hereditariness, which predisposes to venous problems, and ageing, which weakens venous walls. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume typical of pregnancy can also cause an overload on the venous system.
Prolonged immobile postures, such as sitting or standing for many hours at work or when travelling, slow down venous flow and promote swelling. Excessive heat expands blood vessels, causing the slowing down of blood return to the heart; overweight or obesity puts more pressure on veins, thus amplifying the feeling of heaviness.
Physiological factors include gender, with a higher incidence in women, hereditariness, which predisposes to venous problems, and ageing, which weakens venous walls. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume typical of pregnancy can also cause an overload on the venous system.
Prolonged immobile postures, such as sitting or standing for many hours at work or when travelling, slow down venous flow and promote swelling. Excessive heat expands blood vessels, causing the slowing down of blood return to the heart; overweight or obesity puts more pressure on veins, thus amplifying the feeling of heaviness.
Possible complications
If neglected, the problem of tired, heavy legs can aggravate, leading to more serious venous complications that irreparably affect the health of veins and require specific medical treatment. The main consequences include:
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): poor circulation can lead to the occurrence of varicose veins, dilated and tortuous blood vessels that occur due to malfunctioning venous valves. These can cause pain, swelling and, in more severe cases, lead to venous ulcers, difficult-to-heal wounds that develop due to inadequate blood flow. In addition, chronic swelling (oedema) of legs may occur, aggravating discomfort.
- Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) or Thrombophlebitis: it is the inflammation of a vein accompanied by the formation of a blood clot. It generally affects veins close to the surface of the skin and can cause swelling, redness, pain, and a feeling of hardness along the vein. Usually less severe than other forms of thrombosis, it can nevertheless have consequences that should not be underestimated, such as the shifting of the clot to deep veins, leading to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), recurrences and, in the long term, a worsening of the already existing Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): it occurs when blood clots develop in the deep veins of legs. This condition is specifically dangerous, as the clots can break loose and travel through the bloodstream towards lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication.
To prevent complications, it is important not to underestimate the problem.
Always consult a medical specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How to reduce the feeling of tired, heavy legs?
To alleviate the feeling of tired, heavy legs and safeguard the well-being of your legs, you can follow these practical tips:
- Wear certified compression stockings every day: the graduated compression they apply to legs promotes return of blood to the heart, thus reducing swelling and fatigue. They are a valuable support in preventing the onset of the first symptoms of venous insufficiency.
- Exercise regularly: walking, swimming, or cycling are good exercises to stimulate circulation and strengthen leg muscles.
- Raise your legs: during rest periods, keep your legs in a raised position to promote venous return and relieve heaviness.
- Change position often: do not sit or stand for prolonged periods. If you can't help it, move your legs regularly and avoid crossing them, to promote better circulation.
- Choose suitable shoes and clothing: prefer comfortable shoes that provide good foot support and avoid wearing clothes that are too tight and may interfere with circulation.
- Apply cold compresses: cold helps to contract the vein walls, reducing swelling and heaviness. It is a simple and immediate solution to relieve symptoms.
- Consider the use of natural supplements: extracts such as blueberry, diosmin, and melilot are known for their benefits on venous circulation. These remedies can improve blood flow and reduce heaviness; but always consult with a professional before taking them, to choose the solution that best suits your needs.
- Treat yourself to a massage: ideal to stimulate drainage of excess fluids, massages can alleviate the feeling of heaviness and promote venous and lymphatic circulation.
By taking these small daily steps, you can take care of your legs and prevent future nuisances or complications.
The importance of prevention
Remember that prevention is the best ally to keep legs light and healthy. Reconsidering daily habits and correcting unhealthy ones can help you prevent complications such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
Also remember to schedule regular check-ups to monitor your venous health.
Also remember to schedule regular check-ups to monitor your venous health.
Conclusion
Tired, heavy legs are not just an inconvenience: they can be a sign of a deeper venous problem. Identifying causes, recognizing risks, and adopting focused solutions is essential for the well-being of your legs.
Do not ignore symptoms and consult a specialist right away.
Do not ignore symptoms and consult a specialist right away.