Few people tend to think about leg health, but having healthy and strong legs is an important aspect of your health. Spending long hours standing or sitting can cause poor circulation and blood to pool in your lower legs, which can lead to fatigue or swelling. If you are experiencing leg pain or want to be proactive about keeping your legs healthy, below are five tips to help you get started.
- Exercise
Exercises is a great way to improve the health of your legs as it gets your heart pumping and blood flowing to warm the body up. Exercise tones your muscles, increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your limbs, and helps you gain more endurance and stamina for other activities. Cycling works out all the leg muscles while yoga has been proven to alleviate problems associated with swollen feet. The combination of strength training, cardio, and thorough stretching can all contribute to having healthy legs.
- Wear Compression stockings
Compression socks are special, snug-fitting socks that put gentle pressure on the blood vessels in your legs, allowing them to work better. They slightly squeeze the foot and calf muscles, resulting in improving the blood flow and prevent blood clots. Wearing compression stockings daily can help promote the circulation in your legs, keeping the blood in your legs healthy and oxygenated. They can reduce fatigue and soreness from standing for long periods of time.
- Elevate your feet and legs
If you stand or sit for long period of time during the day, you might experience heaviness, aching and swollen legs. This is because gravity is pulling your blood down to your feet. Elevating your feet is a way to reduce swelling and force the blood to circulate better throughout the legs. When you cannot prop your feet up, such as on an airplane or sitting in a long car ride, wearing compression stockings will achieve similar benefits.
- Acupressure
Acupressure is a healing technique that applies pressure to certain key points of the muscle groups with your fingers. The tension released will increase circulation and can soothe leg cramps and other pains. Visit a acupressure professional to learn a few key acupressure points so you can relieve tension at home on your own.
- Develop Healthy Habits
Developing healthy habits in your lifestyle will improve the health of your legs. Avoid smoking, sunbathing and tanning salons. When you do sunbathe, ensure you take precautions to protect your skin. A high SPF sunscreen before sun exposure and moisturize with olive oil afterwards are all little steps you can take to keep your legs healthy and moisturized. Getting adequate exercise and practicing proper nutrition, getting sufficient amount of sleep all have a positive long term impact on your legs.
