Improving Circulation to Relieve Summer Leg Pain: 4 Tips

As summer temperatures increase, leg pain often intensifies for patients suffering from veinous insufficiency and varicose veins. We’ve talked about the reasons for this in previous blogs, so this time we want to offer some advice for improving circulation to relieve summer leg pain.

1. Cool Things Down

Our veins expand in the heat, which allows them to hold a greater volume of blood. If you have varicose veins, this increase in blood volume can make your legs feel more tired and achy than ever. The best way to counteract this is to stay somewhere cool, like an air-conditioned space or a pool.

2. Raise Things Up

Specifically, we are referring to your legs. Elevating them will help improve blood circulation up and out of your lower extremities. If that’s not an option, try wearing compression socks or stockings. They have a similar effect, helping to keep blood from pooling in your legs, ankles and feet.

3. Get Things Moving

Your heart needs help to keep blood circulating, and when it comes to your lower extremities, it’s the flexing of the calf muscles that gets the job done. While it may seem counterintuitive when your legs ache, taking a walk or doing other light leg exercises that engage your muscles can make a difference. Just avoid exercising outside during the heat of the day.

4. Seek Treatment

In most cases, veinous insufficiency and its symptoms increase over time. Fortunately, there are a range of treatment options that can help you reduce or eliminate the pain, burning, heaviness, cramping and other symptoms. Call us to schedule a consultation and we’ll get you back on the road to healthy legs.