Poor Circulation in the Legs: Symptoms and Remedies

You have probably experienced tingling, heaviness, cramps, swelling or even pain in your legs at some point, and linked it to hot weather or spending too long standing or sitting. This is due to poor circulation in the legs. At Farmaciasdirect, we explain how you can improve it and ease the symptoms.

Poor circulation in the legs: why does it happen?

Poor circulation in the legs occurs when the veins cannot return blood to the heart properly, causing it to pool in the lower limbs. This is what is known as chronic venous insufficiency.

It may seem like something everyday, but it can cause a lot of discomfort and become more complicated, potentially leading to more serious cases.

What causes poor circulation in the legs?

The main causes and risk factors behind circulation problems are:

• Genetic predisposition.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Spending many hours standing or sitting.
• A sedentary lifestyle.
• Fluid retention.
• Smoking.
• Pregnancy.
• Medicines such as oral contraceptives.
• Age.
• Certain conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Symptoms of poor circulation in the legs

Alarmingly, 73% of the Spanish population has one or more of these symptoms related to poor circulation in the legs:

• A feeling of heavy or tired legs, lacking lightness.
• Swelling, especially noticeable in the ankles.
• Tingling.
• A burning sensation.
• Cramp.
• Pain.

Consequences of poor circulation in the legs

If this chronic venous insufficiency is not treated correctly, different complications and more serious cases can develop:

• Varicose veins.
• Spider veins.
• Changes in the skin (colour, texture).
• Ulcers.
• Phlebitis or inflammation of the veins.
• Blood clots.

How to improve poor circulation

Introducing small changes into our habits and lifestyle can bring great benefits to our circulation problems. Some of these changes are:

• Avoid spending many hours standing or sitting. If this is unavoidable, we recommend using compression stockings.
• Walk, go out for walks and do leg exercises.
• Use cold water.
• Control your weight.
• Eat diuretic foods.
• Raise your legs above heart level with the help of a cushion.
• Use upward massage movements, from the ankle towards the thigh.
• Try pressotherapy.

Remedies for poor circulation in the legs

At Farmaciasdirect, we can offer more specific recommendations to combat poor circulation:

• Use compression stockings: they help venous return and prevent venous insufficiency from worsening. There are different levels and types of compression; we recommend that a doctor determines whether they are needed and which type is appropriate.
• Take a venotonic food supplement.
• Apply a topical cream with a cooling effect that provides instant relief and improves circulation, easing congestion and that feeling of heaviness.

Treatments to improve circulation

These are some of our favourite remedies for poor circulation:

• Aboca FisioVen Capsules: a food supplement that, when taken orally, helps improve circulation in the legs and the associated symptoms. It works thanks to a formula rich in butcher’s broom, centella, red vine and witch hazel.
• Aboca FisioVen Biogel: a topical cream that improves skin tone and elasticity and reduces the feeling of heaviness thanks to its key active ingredients (butcher’s broom, centella, red vine, horse chestnut and marshmallow). Thanks to mint, it also provides freshness and instant relief on application. Its texture is very light and absorbs beautifully.

Treating this problem in time can significantly improve the quality of life of anyone with poor circulation in the legs. Do not forget that, if symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult a doctor. Follow-up, support and health education around lifestyle habits are key to circulatory health.