Nearly a third of French people, the majority of whom are women, are affected by venous problems and the associated discomfort. Perhaps you sometimes experience heaviness in your legs, tingling, or even the appearance of small blood vessels that marble the skin? A sign of poor venous circulation, the phenomenon of "heavy legs" can worsen in the heat. What are the causes of venous circulatory disorders and how can you soothe the symptoms?
Understanding the phenomenon of heavy legs
Our body's vascular system consists of three networks that distribute oxygen and nutrients essential to our metabolism: the arterial network (heart to tissues), the venous network (tissues to heart) and the lymphatic network (immunity, drainage and purification of tissues).
Unlike the arterial system, which pumps blood to various organs through an active system (heartbeat), the venous and lymphatic systems operate more passively. They use a combination of indirect muscle contractions and valves in the walls of the veins and lymphatic vessels to direct blood (from the legs to the heart) and prevent it from flowing back down to the feet.
At this stage, a loss of elasticity and tone of the veins coupled with a malfunction of the valves can cause blood to stagnate in the lower limbs, leading to venous and lymphatic circulatory disorders. This accumulated blood then explains cramps, sensations of heavy legs, restlessness and can lead to the appearance of varicose veins or even hemorrhoids in the longer term.
Factors causing circulatory problems and associated discomforts
We're not all equal when it comes to heavy legs. While women are the most affected (due to their hormones and pregnancy), men can also be prone to circulatory problems. Additionally, various factors can cause the discomfort associated with venous insufficiency. 
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Age
Over time, the venous system becomes more fragile. People over 50 are therefore more likely to suffer from circulatory problems, especially if they were already experiencing discomfort beforehand.
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Overweight or obesity
Being overweight can cause heavy legs and even varicose veins. Wide legs require a greater blood supply than standard-sized legs. As a result, blood has more difficulty returning to the heart and may pool in the veins.
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Sedentary lifestyle
Immobility, or prolonged sitting (especially with crossed legs), promotes the development of venous diseases because the veins are compressed. Movement allows blood to circulate more easily.
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Heredity
If you have a family history of it, you are more likely to experience it yourself.
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The heat
Exposure to heat causes blood vessels to dilate. This can exacerbate the feeling of heavy legs.
Relieve heavy legs
The feeling of heavy legs is an unpleasant sensation that can affect your quality of life on a daily basis. Therefore, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, starting with regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and, if necessary, medical follow-up.
- Walking is beneficial for heavy legs. It contributes to better blood circulation and can reduce symptoms of heaviness. This is also the case for cycling and water sports (such as aquabiking or aquagym), which, when practiced regularly (once or twice a week), promote good blood return due to their action on the muscles of the lower limbs.
- Choose a diet low in salt and rich in antioxidants (carrots, melon, red fruits, etc.) to limit water retention and protect your venous network.
- Forget tight clothing and opt for comfortable outfits. For women affected by this condition: wearing support stockings can relieve circulatory problems by applying pressure and promoting blood flow to the leg. There are also support leggings that will allow your feet to still breathe this summer.
- Cold is a vasoconstrictor that constricts and energizes blood vessels. Therefore, when you shower, you can run a jet of cold water over your feet and thighs for a few minutes to reactivate blood circulation.
- In herbal medicine, certain plants are traditionally used to support good venous tone:
- The red vine and more particularly Grape seed extract , rich in flavonoids (notably OPCs, oligoproanthocyanidins) has recognized antioxidant properties. 1
- Ginkgo biloba extract , the oldest of the tree species, offers effectiveness on vasotonicity and permeability of blood capillaries. 2
- Finally, the sweet clover is a very ancient medicinal plant which contains flavonoids, terpenoids and coumarins which promote venous return, hence improving blood circulation. 3
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- Practice draining massages. Performed by a physiotherapist, massages help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in the legs in cases of edema. Don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional on this subject.
Bibliography
1- Shi J. et al. Polyphenolics in Grape Seeds - Biochemistry and Functionality. J Med Food 2003, vol. 6(4), pp. 291-299
2- Zhou W. et al. Clinical Use and Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Extract of Ginkgo biloba Leaves in Cardiovascular Diseases. Cardiovascular Drug Reviews 2004, vol. 22(4), pp. 309-319
3- Mahr H. Therapy of venous and arterious circulation disorders using Melilotus. With the monthly 1971, vol. 25(7), pp. 334-336.
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