For many people, swollen legs are an inseparable companion of warm weather. Don't put up with the discomfort! AND klinika physiotherapist Radvilė Gailė Bautronytė shares tips on how to ease leg swelling and enjoy a comfortable summer.
Why do legs swell in summer?

The most common causes are these:

• Tight, synthetic clothing – tight trousers (jeans, for example) press on the nerves and blood vessels of the legs and disrupt circulation. Synthetic clothing (socks or tights, for example) prevents the skin from breathing and also contributes to leg swelling. Compression stockings are recommended.
• Uncomfortable footwear – high heels and synthetic, tight, chafing footwear are the legs' biggest enemy. Such footwear is especially harmful to people who work standing up.
• Sitting – prolonged sitting doesn't rest our legs but burdens them. The calves and ankles swell, and varicose veins can develop.
• Lack of activity – legs also swell because of low activity. Cycling, running and swimming let you “get moving” the body's stagnant fluids and improve circulation.
• Fluid intake – quenching thirst in summer is essential, but poorly chosen drinks can disrupt your health and cause leg swelling. It's advisable to avoid fizzy drinks heavily saturated with sugar. Remember that fluid intake is individual for each person. Too much drink (even water!) will not help but harm.
• Illnesses – legs swell because of various chronic conditions. Heart failure and a weakening of the venous and lymphatic systems disrupt the fluid balance, and these fluids begin to accumulate in the tissues of the legs, causing swelling.

The power of touch reduces swelling

According to physiotherapist R. G. Bautronytė, there are plenty of natural ways to reduce the discomfort. “Take breaks, avoid sitting for too long. While working and travelling, don't forget to change position regularly and to exercise your legs. Walk on tiptoe for a few minutes. Clench and then relax your feet and toes.”
If you suffer from frequent leg swelling, self-help won't be enough. Quite a few such patients reach for medication, but there are natural methods to improve wellbeing. R. G. Bautronytė says that treatment through movement, or physiotherapy, is an ideal way to reduce leg swelling. “I suggest trying physiotherapeutic exercise in water. It increases muscle tone and joint mobility and, at the same time, reduces leg swelling. If the leg swelling is especially severe, therapeutic exercise tailored individually to the patient is essential.”
Another effective way to reduce leg swelling is relaxing massage. “Some people avoid massage because they think it will be painful. But even the gentle touch of an experienced specialist can be very beneficial. Massage improves the working of the lymphatic system, activates circulation and the supply of necessary substances to the tissues,” the specialist explains. Physiotherapy is a natural method that lets you reduce tiresome leg swelling and ensures maximum comfort even in summer. Physiotherapy services are provided at AND klinika. The experienced specialist Radvilė Gailė Bautronytė will take care of your wellbeing. Register now – we'll contact you today!