FAQs for healthy legs

Common leg issues 3/3

Q) How can I find out if I've got leg problems?

A) If you want to find out if you are at risk of developing leg problems, or if you are worried about any aches and pains in your legs, you can take the leg health test , available on the Antistax Leg Health Center website. If, after taking the test, you are still worried or unsure about what to do, please consult your pharmacist or physician.

Q) What is an oedema and how does it develop?

A) Oedema comes from Latin and means an increased accumulation of water in the tissue, in other words, a swelling. Oedema in the legs occurs when the balance of fluid being released into the tissue and taken up by the blood circulation is disturbed. This imbalance can occur for a number of reasons - having porous vein walls, leg valves which are not working properly, standing for long periods of time and not enough exercise. Too much water in the legs is always an important indication of a disturbance of the flow of blood away from the leg veins and shows that the blood supply to the tissue has been disturbed.

Q) Is it true that leg issues are hereditary?

A) Although this is frequently said, it has not yet been proven scientifically. However it has been observed that leg problems can be common in certain families, it may actually be the fact that they live in the same environment and share similar living conditions, habits, diet and attitudes to exercise that is responsible, rather than any hereditary link.