Why Women Experience Heavy Legs And What To Do About It

Do you feel like you sometimes have lead weights attached to your feet and ankles? If so, you're not alone!

Many women suffer from heavy legs, and they all know how debilitating the condition can be. The aching, fatigue and sometimes throbbing pain can make it difficult to get through the day, and the uncomfortable feeling can make it hard to get a good night's sleep.

In this blog post, we will explore the causes of heavy legs and offer 7 simple steps to help reduce their impact on your life.

What causes your legs to feel heavy?

This common condition is usually caused by poor circulation. When your blood flow is restricted, it can cause fluid to build up in your legs, making them feel heavy and uncomfortable.

Numerous factors can contribute to heavy legs. Some of the most common causes and risk factors include:

1. Overtiredness or fatigue

2. Standing or sitting for long periods of time

3. Menopause

4. Weather changes

5. Dehydration

6. Excess weight

Could heavy legs be a symptom of a condition?

In most cases, heavy legs are nothing to worry about and can be easily remedied with some lifestyle changes. However, if you experience sudden swelling in your legs or pain not relieved by rest, it's important to speak to your doctor as this could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Several conditions cause heavy legs, including peripheral arterial disease. This condition occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the legs. As a result, the legs can become swollen and painful.

Chronic venous insufficiency (a condition where blood vessels cannot effectively pump blood back to the heart due to valve damage) can take the form of spider veins or the more prominent varicose veins.

These conditions are all related to your circulatory system and can cause your legs to feel heavy because they are not getting enough blood flow.

So what can help you to manage heavy legs? Here are 7 treatment options you can do at home or when you're on the go.

1. Stock Up On Your Iron & B12

A few possible deficiencies could lead to heavy legs, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium. If you're experiencing heavy legs, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor to get tested for any of these deficiencies and see if you need supplementation.

Our magnesium spray is a simple and easy way to increase your magnesium levels, and its transdermal application makes it ideal for treating heavy legs.

This is because when magnesium is applied topically, it bypasses the gut and goes straight into the bloodstream, providing instant relief. Not only can this spray treat heavy legs, but thousands of women have also found it to support restless legs syndrome too!

Head to our blog on 11 Benefits of Natural Magnesium Oil Spray to learn more.

2. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to improve circulation, lose weight and reduce heavy legs. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, especially after sitting for long periods of time. If you can't commit to 30 minutes all at once, split it up into smaller chunks throughout the day!

There are a few exercises that can help alleviate heavy legs. Some of the best exercises include walking, cycling and swimming. These exercises are great because they improve your circulation and get your heart rate up!

If you're looking for something more strenuous, try running or aerobics. These exercises will help to strengthen your muscles and improve your blood flow.

3. Slip on Some Supportive Shoes

Wearing shoes that offer good support can help reduce the strain on your feet and legs. Look for shoes with good arch support and a comfortable fit. Avoid high heels if you can, as they can worsen heavy legs.

4. Wear Compression Stockings

Compression socks apply pressure to your leg muscles and help improve circulation. They are often used by people with conditions that cause inadequate circulation, such as diabetes. However, they can also be helpful for people with heavy legs.

Because they support healthy veins, compression stockings can also treat chronic venous insufficiency, alleviating its symptoms such as varicose veins and spider veins.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing compression socks. Ensure the socks are not too tight, as this can cause discomfort!

5. Increase Your Blood Flow

Amongst the risk factors for heavy legs is poor circulation. This can have several causes, including peripheral artery disease, which occurs when blood vessels become blocked by plaque. This can cause the bloodstream to slow down or even experience blockages due to the formation of blood clots. 

When your bloodstream is flowing efficiently, it's easy for your body to send blood to every part of your body so your muscles get the oxygen and energy they need to work properly. There are a few things you can do to promote blood flow, including:

1. Walking every day
2. Stretching
3. Drinking plenty of water
4. Quit smoking

These simple steps can help improve your blood circulation and reduce the heavy feeling in your legs.

6. Elevate Your Legs

If you're on your feet all day, try to take a break every so often to elevate your legs. This will help to reduce the swelling in your legs and improve circulation.

There are several reasons why elevating your legs can help to alleviate heavy legs.

Firstly, elevating your legs helps to improve circulation, which can reduce the swelling and heaviness in your legs. Elevating your legs also helps to reduce the stress on your feet and legs, which can help to reduce fatigue, venuous insufficiency and varicose veins. Finally, elevating your legs can help to improve lymph drainage, which can help reduce fluid retention.

7. Massage a Rescue Balm

Massaging a rescue balm helps improve blood circulation by stimulating the lymphatic system and helping to break down fatty deposits.

It can also help to relieve tension in the muscles and improve flexibility. Massaging a rescue balm can also help increase oxygen delivery to the tissues and reduce inflammation.

Our 100% Rescue Balm is infused with arnica, shea butter and evening primrose oil, effectively providing fast relief for muscle tension and restless legs while healing damaged skin!

Conclusion

There is hope if you are a woman with heavy legs. We’ve outlined seven treatment options for you to try at home or on the go.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution, our Rescue Balm – Muscle and Derma Repair might be just what you need. This balm was specifically designed to help ease muscle tension and improve blood circulation, both of which are essential for treating heavy legs.