A day's walking, a heatwave, a lifestyle that's a little too sedentary, and heavy legs are guaranteed. Linked to venous insufficiency, this pathology is thought to affect 30 to 40% of the world population, i.e. millions of people.
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This discomfort, particularly (but not only) felt during the summer season, is mainly characterized by a feeling of heaviness, swelling, pain at times and even night cramps or unexplained itching.
Venous insufficiency is far from being an isolated phenomenon, with almost 70% of patients suffering from the condition without receiving treatment.
What is 'heavy legs' syndrome?
Venous insufficiency is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by blood circulation disorders, known as 'heavy legs'. The cause is due to a lack of elasticity in the veins. This triggers the appearance of varicose veins and oedemas due to their dilation.
In the collective imagination, venous insufficiency only affects people of a certain age, but this pathology also affects young people: 20% of 18-39 year-olds are affected, the same proportion as for the over-60s. The symptoms can ruin patients' lives: concerts in the pit, waiting in line...
Several factors can explain the appearance of this very unpleasant sensation. First of all, and quite naturally, heredity. Indeed, it tops the list. When a family member is already affected by this problem, 2.6 more patients suffer from it before the age of 35, while 2 times as many suffer between the ages of 35 and 45.
But overweight people, women in the pre-menstrual period and people who work standing up or sitting down for long periods can also experience complications.
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How to limit the sensation of heavy legs?
As soon as summer arrives, your legs start to ache and you don't know how to relieve them quickly? Before you go to the doctor to find the right treatment, there are a few quick steps you can take to get started with venous insufficiency.
To limit the undesirable effects of venous insufficiency, you should start by wearing loose-fitting clothing, refraining from exposing the legs to heat, massaging and using cold water in the shower as well as compression stockings, and elevating the legs as often as possible, especially at bedtime. It's also best to keep moving, i.e. to walk rather than trample. Tobacco and congestion-promoting foods such as coffee, tea and spices should be avoided.
If these sensations of heavy legs persist, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
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This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag FR.
Source used:
Daflon, Heavy legs
