FAQs for healthy legs

Common leg issues 1/3

Q) How common are leg issues?

A) Leg issues are experienced by about 30% of people in Europe¹. From a recent survey by Boehringer Ingelheim of 4,000 women in Germany, UK, France and Mexico, it was found that 24 % very often / often suffer from achy legs, 21% very often / often suffering from heavy legs and 28% very often / often suffer from tired legs. more

Other leg health problems very often / often suffered by the women included swollen legs (12%), spider veins (15%), varicose veins (13%), cramps (17%) and knee problems (19%)².

¹ Source: diverse Omnibus Surveys GfK, IMAS 2000 and younger

² Survey conducted by Ipsos GmbH January-March 2007, Germany, France, Great Britain and Mexico with 1,000 women per country.

Q) What causes common leg issues?

A) Heavy, tired legs are usually caused by too much time sitting or standing still and are often linked to lifestyle - for example long hours spent traveling, poor diet choices and not enough time for exercise. Leg issues can also sometimes be linked to medical conditions, such as pregnancy or diabetes, or some medicines, or in some cases it may simply be age. more

Q) Which medical conditions can trigger leg issues?

A) Vein disorder can be the cause of many leg issues such as painful, swollen, heavy and tired legs or also varicose veins. Vein disorders are very common and virtually everyone experiences a decline in leg circulation with age. Vein disorder can manifest themselves in the form of varicose veins (bluish, bulging and dilated veins), in a chronic venous insufficiency (return of blood from the legs is chronically impaired) or in oedema (impaired drainage of blood in the leg veins). more

Pregnancy: pregnancy can be accompanied by swelling in the feet, ankles and legs - 30% of women experience leg problems during the early phase of pregnancy and up to 70% of women in later pregnancy. Symptoms usually go away after delivery, however, it is recommended to take steps to look after your legs to prevent any problems from re-occurring in the future. more

Diabetes: People with diabetes can experience leg and foot problems due to changes in blood vessels and nerves in these areas. Diabetes can also dull the sensitivity of nerves, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Someone with this condition might not notice a sore spot on their leg or foot, which might lead to infection in the area. Proper foot care and regular visits to a doctor are essential for people with diabetes to ensure that any concerns are addressed quickly and effectively. more

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