Poor circulation in the legs: how to treat it naturally

It is estimated that some 9 million people in our country –mainly women– suffer from poor circulation in the legs. And these figures are increasing due to inadequate lifestyle habits. The sedentary life and, above all, standing for many hours favors heavy legs.

During the summer months the symptoms are accentuated, due to the heat and high atmospheric pressure, which cause inflammation and pain, especially from the knees to the feet. The traditional pharmacopoeia only manages to gently minimize discomfort. The background treatment of naturopathic medicine can, on the other hand, substantially improve the problem.

The risks of not treating poor circulation in the legs

Poor circulation in the legs can be arterial or venousand it is convenient that this distinction be made at the beginning by a good professional.

Poor arterial circulation is less frequent, although potentially more serious because it can put the limb itself at risk: in case of significant obstruction of an artery, the tissues that depend on that artery are ischemic and expose the leg to gangrene. poor circulation due to venous insufficiency it is more frequent. May have mild symptomssuch as skin redness, feeling of heavy legs, stinging, swelling of the area, itching, burning sensation and pain in ankles and feet.

If this situation is not remedied, over time it could become complicated in the form of varicose veins or phlebitis. The phlebitis It is the inflammation of one or several veins, superficial or deep. If a clot forms in an area of ​​phlebitis (thrombophlebitis), it usually does not cause more symptoms than regional pain, warmth, redness and slight swelling of the areaIt is dangerous because the clot formed can travel through the cardiocirculatory system and clog an artery far from where the clot formed. If this occurs in the brain it is called stroke (CVA) or stroke, and it is serious due to the sequelae it can cause and because it is potentially lethal.There is a direct relationship between tired legs and varicose veins, between varicose veins and phlebitis, between phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, and between thrombophlebitis and cerebrovascular accidents. Fortunately, this does not mean that all people who have a problem with poor circulation in the legs will have a stroke. But they do have to do everything possible to resolve this situation.

Tired legs and poor circulation: risk factors

After clinical suspicion due to the presence of symptoms, diagnostic confirmation is always made through imaging (ultrasound, CT or MRI). However, there are different risk factors that can lead us to suffer from tired legs and other complications derived from poor blood circulation in the legs.

Obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle…

They are at greater risk of tired legs, obese people, smokers, those who are sedentary or remain still for long periods of timethe women taking the contraceptive pill or require hormone replacement therapy (TSH) and those with a history of relatives of thrombosis.

After clinical suspicion due to the presence of symptoms, diagnostic confirmation is always made through imaging (ultrasound, CT or MRI).

fluid retention

It is related to a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and especially tiredness. From the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine, fatigue (physical or mental) can deplete the energy of the spleen, one of the organs in charge of managing the body’s fluids, and generate edema and fluid retention. Therefore fatigue is one of the most frequent causes.

It is another fundamental factor that favors the tired legs, since abdominal stagnation translates into circulatory difficulty, not only in venous return, but also in lymphatic flow from the lower extremities. Any obstacle to the elevation of lymph from the legs, whether due to constipation or obesity, directly affects the quality of circulation in the legs. psychological or emotional causes.

Conventional treatment for poor circulation

The Venous insufficiency and superficial phlebitis Milder ones are treated with general measures, such as elevating the legs while resting and applying warm compresses. Compression stockings also relieve pain, as do anti-inflammatory drugs. In case of thrombophlebitis, sometimes the proposed treatment involves surgical removal of the thrombus.

The thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the legs deserve closer attention and monitoring, given the risk involved. Conventional medicine treats them with hypocoagulant drugs that prevent the formation of thrombi.

It is the case of people who have undergone surgery and who return home with the indication to inject heparin or one of its derivatives in the belly, subcutaneously, in order to avoid the formation of thrombi. If the situation is not temporary, as occurs for example in very obese or very old people, they usually receive hypocoagulant treatment with oral drugs (Sintrom).

Together with the general measures mentioned above, the best prevention of tired legs is to exercise to maintain and improve the tone of the cardiocirculatory system. Walking is an ideal exercise and, as you become more physically fit, other more vigorous exercises can be carried out according to personal capacity, such as cycling or swimming.

On the other hand, losing weight is essential. Obese or overweight people have to act thoroughly to stay within their ideal weight. The low-salt, high-fiber diet It not only helps in this regard but also collaborates in the prevention of arterial hypertension.

you have to get used to eat plenty of fruit and vegetablesand avoid alcohol or drink it in moderation, as it has a vasodilator effect that worsens poor circulation in the legs.

Effective plants that promote circulation

Used regularly, some medicinal plants improve venous circulation in the legs (it is advisable to consult a professional before starting any treatment with plants):

Horse chestnut. Perhaps it is the plant that provides the most benefits. It is indicated for circulatory problems in the legs, varicose veins, swollen legs, calf cramps, and pain and heaviness in the legs. It exerts an anti-inflammatory effect because it inhibits the prostaglandin-synthetase enzyme and also increases blood capillary resistance. It also exerts an antihemorrhoidal effect. Its hydroalcoholic extract is taken at the rate of 20-30 drops three times a day, and the capsules at the rate of 2 during breakfast and dinner.witch hazel. Its star-shaped flowers have astringent properties thanks to their tannin content, which promotes microcirculation and thus increases the resistance of blood capillaries. 2 capsules are usually taken with each meal.butcher’s broom Contains saponoside esters with vasoconstrictive and anti-edematous action. Its rutoside content improves the resistance of capillaries. 2 capsules are taken at each meal.red vine. It is rich in tannins and anthocyanins, which decrease the permeability of blood capillaries and thus increase their resistance. In addition, it is astringent and vasoconstrictive, and favors venous return. 2 capsules are taken at each meal. Apart from tablets, there are ointments, ointments and gels that combine these plants.

Yoga to improve venous return

lying face up, raise your legs and back to an upright position with the help of the arms (bend the elbows and press the back with the palms). This pose is called Sarvangasana or the sail. It rests the legs, the internal organs and tones the endocrine system.

Once there, take the legs behind the head to the horizontal and perform scissor movements trying to touch the ground with the balls of their feet. He returns to the original position with his legs towards the sky, remains like this for a few moments and gradually lowers to the ground. The benefits on the legs are immediately noticeable.

Benefits of cold water to treat tired legs

At this time of year it is convenient to finish the morning shower with a jet of cold water on the legs and repeat the same operation at night before dinner.

Before applying an ointment that stimulates venous return, it is advisable to take a short local cool shower, always in the direction from the bottom to the top of the legs. Also, when applying the ointment, you always have to massage the legs from bottom to topfrom the ankle to mid-calf.

After the application is it is advisable to rest for a few minutes in a horizontal position with legs slightly elevated.