Managing leg fatigue; coeliac treatment; hearing aid benefits; reasons your gums are bleeding

Get the blood flowing to improve circulation

TIRED AND ACHING LEGS can slow you down and leave you feeling miserable. According to podiatrist Sarah Howley, leg fatigue is often caused by decreased circulation, and it’s more common among people who stand or sit for long periods of time, older adults, women and smokers. When you’re not active, your muscles stop contracting and pumping blood freely. When blood doesn’t circulate properly, it pools, leaving your legs and feet feeling swollen, heavy and tired. Try these tips to ease your pins.

Be active

If your work or lifestyle means you sit or stand for extended periods, make sure you include time to get your blood moving. This means standing up and walking around once every hour. Ankle rotations and toe raises will also help stimulate blood flow.

Walk or run

Incorporate some exercise into your day. Choose to walk instead of drive or use the stairs.

Put your feet up

Elevating your legs at the end of the day for between 15-20 minutes helps to drain pooled blood back in the direction of your heart.

Be shoe smart

If you’re standing most of the day, wear shoes that offer good support – and avoid high heels.

Wear compression stockings

These work by applying pressure to problem areas from the ankle upwards. Gone are the days of ugly beige compression stockings – they are now available in fashionable colours and styles that look just like normal socks and hosiery.