Contents
Remote work or office, relaxing in front of the TV or gathering at dinner with loved ones – many of us spend quite a lot of time sitting. And this affects the state of the body – in particular, the health of the legs. Our expert will tell you what are the ways to take care of them.
Five days a week we sit quite a lot – in the office or at home at the desk. In addition, some commute to and from work by car. And because the lack of traffic is a big problem for the townspeople. We spoke with an orthopedic surgeon about healthy habits that can help relieve swollen and tired legs from a sedentary lifestyle.
Don’t forget to drink!
No matter how paradoxical it may sound, it is extremely important to maintain a water balance for the prevention of puffiness. Our body knows how to survive, and therefore the lack of water (and food) is perceived as a threat and turns on the “self-preservation mode”. Therefore, edema appears. Plus, if you consume enough water, the kidneys will work like clockwork. So, you don’t have to worry about problems with fluid retention.
Less salt
During sedentary work, stagnation occurs in the body, so it is so important to control all the details that can have a negative impact. When our attention is occupied with business, cookies, crackers and similar quick snacks disappear unnoticed by us in batches. This then turns into noticeable problems: swelling and excess weight appear. Therefore, it is better to snack on fruits and vegetables, and for breakfast, lunch and dinner, also prefer healthy food.
Comfortable shoes in the office are a must have
If there is a beautiful but uncomfortable pair of shoes at home that is completely impossible to walk in, and you decide to take them to the office with thoughts: “I still sit at the table most of the day,” forget about it. In order for the legs not to get tired, most of the day you need to wear comfortable shoes, without a narrow nose and heels. It is better to bring a pair of beautiful “stilettos” with you for an evening out, and prefer sneakers at work.
Legs above head
If you spend the whole day in a sitting position, blood circulation is disturbed. Surely you are familiar with one of the most popular ways to help tired feet – lie down on the sofa or bed and raise your legs, leaning them against the wall. Everything is quite logical: you change position, and the blood that has lingered in the lower extremities continues its movement again. And in order to feel more comfortable during the day, put an ottoman or a small chair under the table, on which you can throw your legs.
Don’t cross your legs
Sitting correctly is extremely important, so forget about the cross-legged pose.
- Firstly, in this position, the load is shifted to one side and the spine is bent.
- Secondly, by throwing one leg over the other, you pinch the blood flow, which provokes the development of problems with the veins and the appearance of edema.
Sit straight, and if you feel tired and want to change your position, it’s better to walk and warm up a little.
Massage, contrast shower, pressotherapy
Foot massage is the perfect solution for competent relaxation. You can do it yourself or go to a spa, both options will have a positive effect – blood circulation will be restored, and there will be no hint of fatigue. A contrast shower also accelerates the blood, and pressure therapy will relieve constriction.
And most importantly: if you experience pain in your legs, do not try to self-medicate. Fatigue can be removed at home, and it is better to entrust the solution of more serious problems with the feet to professionals and contact a podiatrist.
About the Developer
Evgeniya Zaitseva – Orthopedic surgeon, full member of the Society of the Order of Italian Physicians. Her .