Standing up all day? How to prevent heavy and fatigued legs

Do you rush from one meeting to the next? Or do you work in hospitality or retail and spend long hours standing and walking? If you’re on your legs all day, chances are that they often feel heavy and tired. Find out what causes fatigued and heavy legs and what you can do to ease the strain on your legs and feet and improve your overall well-being in the process.

What causes tired and aching legs

Everybody knows that feeling when you can hardly wait to take the weight off your feet. Your legs are tired, maybe even aching and you might also feel a burning sensation. These symptoms can have a range of causes.

Prolonged standing and walking

Being on the move all day and standing for extended periods is very often the cause of tired legs, as it reduces blood circulation and leads to muscle fatigue.

Muscle cramps

If you stand or sit for a long time or exercise more often than usual, you may experience muscle cramps. These are usually caused by lactic acid buildup in your leg muscles.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are veins that no longer circulate blood properly and become swollen and enlarged as a result. The impaired blood circulation tends to lead to the typical symptoms of fatigued legs.

Poor Circulation

If your circulation isn’t working as it should, the blood flow to your legs is insufficient. Poor circulation can be caused by a range of factors, from obesity or high blood pressure to underlying health conditions such as diabetes.

Hypokalemia

If you have hypokalemia, the potassium levels in your blood are too low. Potassium is an electrolyte that nerve and muscle cells require to function properly. A low level of potassium can cause weakness, fatigue and cramps.

Other causes

These are just some of the possible causes of fatigued legs. Others can range from dehydration to underlying medical conditions such as arthritis.

If your job is demanding on your legs, it is important to consider what measures you can take to protect them against feeling heavy and tired every day.

How to alleviate and prevent the burden of heavy and fatigued legs

While it might not always be possible to rest as often as you would like, there are things you can do to make your legs and feet feel better and less tired.

Exercise more often

Taking exercise, such as swimming or jogging, is a great way to ward off leg fatigue, as it can improve blood flow and strengthen your leg muscles. If your job involves a lot of standing, it’s a good idea to take occasional walks.

If you already exercise regularly, exercising more than you normally do isn’t necessarily recommended, as overuse can also lead to fatigued legs.

Stretch to stimulate blood flow

Stretching exercises, such as hip flexor, hamstring and calf stretches, can help the blood circulation in your legs and reduce inflammation.

Warm baths

Warm temperatures cause your blood vessels to expand and thereby improve your circulation.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated helps against tiredness and muscle cramps.

Limit salt intake

It’s a good idea to reduce your salt intake, as too much salt can cause dehydration and swelling.

Elevate your legs

Raising your legs improves blood flow, reduces swelling and lowers the pressure in your legs.

Massage your legs and feet

Massaging is a great way to stimulate circulation and alleviate the discomfort of tired legs.

Use compression socks

Compression socks apply pressure to the lower legs and feet. If you stand or walk for several hours every day, compression socks can improve your circulation as they keep blood from pooling in your legs.

INFINIRI innovatively combines compression around the midfoot with intelligent cushioning and support of the foot arch. This combination reduces pressure points and keeps your natural arch supported to reduce fatigue. INFINIRI support socks not only help prevent your legs from feeling tired and heavy – they also make walking more comfortable than ever before, no matter what shoes you wear. Even standing for long periods of time becomes enjoyable, so INFINIRI socks are perfect for you if you’re on your feet all day.

Consult your GP for further advice

If your leg fatigue doesn’t improve after trying out these methods, or if you aren’t sure what causes the symptoms, you should consult your GP for further advice in case your condition requires medical treatment.

Feel free to walk again

While there are various things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of leg fatigue, it’s best to address its root causes. The right footwear can often prevent your legs from feeling tired in the first place.

INFINIRI health socks are designed with the demands of your working day in mind. Whether your job involves prolonged standing or a lot of moving around, INFINIRI takes care of your feet and lets you focus on what’s important.

Don’t put up with tired legs and feet. Learn more about INFINIRI health socks and visit our shop to feel the freedom of walking painlessly.

Disclaimer: This article is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional if you suffer an injury or discomfort.