Movement is best for the legs. Even if you think that running around the city all day or dancing for two hours makes them very tired, it does them much better than sitting idle at a desk. When there is no movement, breaking capillaries, swelling and a feeling of heaviness begin to appear. These are signs that your legs need help!
Blood circulation in the legs is based on the arteries where it flows upwards. When you sit or stand for too long, blood begins to stagnate in the veins and press against the walls of the vessels. Also, the lymph stagnates, as a result of which the legs begin to swell, get tired and hurt. The greatest boon for the legs is simply movement. However, it is not about its strenuous, tiring form, but a regular and moderately tiring type of movement. Marches work best, but not on too hard surfaces – e.g. on gravel paths. In addition, great effects are also given by dancing and swimming. After tiring days, it’s best to lie down with your legs up (e.g. on a pillow), thanks to which the blood will flow more easily towards the heart.
Exercises for tired legs
Squats and “bicycle” work best, as well as leg circles: lying on your back, lift your straight leg and make 20 laps with it, first to the right, then to the left. If your job is sedentary, you can do a short relaxing exercise at your desk: straighten and curl your toes a few times, lift your foot off the floor, and make a few circular motions. In addition, it is worth getting up and walking from time to time (e.g. alternately on toes and heels). You can also invest in special foot massage rollers that you can use while sitting at the computer or watching TV. They improve blood circulation and prevent blood stagnation in the limbs. Tired calves can be relieved by wrapping them (but not too tightly) with an elastic bandage chilled in the fridge.
Use baths
Leg baths will strengthen and harden blood vessels. It’s best to do them every day. Prepare two bowls: one with hot water, the other with cold water. Soak your feet in warm water for two minutes, then in cold water for 15 seconds. It is enough for the whole bath to last 10 minutes. Swelling will also be relieved by wading in a tub half filled with cold water with added salt. Baths of the whole body in cool water with various oils, e.g. juniper, geranium, citrus, which perfectly improve microcirculation, will also be great. Dry your feet thoroughly after any such water treatment, especially between the toes, to prevent the development of fungus.