FAQs for healthy legs

Common leg issues 2/3

Q) Is there a link between certain medications and leg issues?

A) Certain medications, combined with an unhealthy lifestyle, can lead to leg problems. Birth control pills and other hormones can increase your risk of developing blood clots, while water pills (diuretics), heart medicine and cholesterol-lowering medicines (statins) can cause muscle cramps. If you have any concerns about your medication and leg health, it is essential that you consult your physician before making any changes.

Q) What are the most common leg issues?

A) The most commonly reported leg issues include:
Heavy, tired legs: the feeling that you can't walk another step and an overwhelming urge to crawl into an armchair to rest your aching limbs.
Achy legs: a painful feeling that can be experienced inside and outside the leg.
Swollen legs: when your legs are visibly more swollen, or puffy, than usual.
Calf cramps: Calf cramps are abrupt. Severe pain and the muscle spasms may incapacitate the feet. The cramp usually lasts minutes.
Water retention: as well as looking more swollen than usual, you can sometimes even feel the excess fluid pooling in your legs.

Painful joints: both knees and ankles can feel sore when standing, moving around or when touched.

Q) What are the early warning signs of leg vein issues?

A) The signs of changes in the veins can be tired, heavy, swollen legs in the evening, a feeling of tension in the calves, itching, tingling, aching or even stabling pains in the legs. It is typical that the symptoms can be alleviated by raising the legs, while standing or sitting for long periods usually makes them worse.

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