Heavy, swollen legs occur from circulatory problems and affect a large number of people. It is a phenomenon that often becomes more pronounced with age. Feelings of heaviness, pain, and swelling are all symptoms that characterise this phenomenon. There are many solutions available to temporarily relieve the feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs. Among them, pressotherapy, particularly boots, seems to be an essential innovation today. But how effective are pressotherapy boots? What are the advantages of using this system over more traditional remedies? That's what we'll explore in this article.
What are the causes and symptoms of heavy legs?
Heavy, swollen legs are a common circulatory problem. They affect people who suffer from poor blood circulation. This phenomenon can be aggravated by several factors, such as:
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pregnancy,
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obesity,
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advanced age,
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a sedentary lifestyle,
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prolonged standing at work.
People who spend long hours on their feet, such as those working in retail, manufacturing, or healthcare, often experience circulatory problems.
The most common symptoms of this phenomenon are:
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Heaviness: This is one of the most typical symptoms of heavy legs. It feels as though the legs are more difficult to lift or move. This often occurs at the end of the day or after prolonged standing.
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Pain and cramps: Pain in the legs can be diffuse and felt as constant discomfort, sometimes accompanied by cramps, especially at night or after physical activity.
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Swelling of the legs: Swollen legs, especially around the ankles, are another classic symptom. The swelling may be more pronounced at the end of the day or after prolonged standing.
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Fatigue and a feeling of heat: A feeling of intense fatigue, often associated with a feeling of heat or burning in the legs, is common. This can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time.
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Visible Veins: More visible, sometimes dilated veins may appear on the surface of the skin. This can be a sign of varicose veins or blood reflux, common conditions associated with heavy legs.
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Itching and Skin Sensitivity: Some people experience itching or more sensitive skin on the legs affected by circulatory disorders.
What is Pressotherapy?
Pressotherapy is a therapeutic technique used to improve blood and lymphatic circulation by applying controlled compression to the limbs. This method involves wrapping the legs, arms, or other parts of the body in boots or sleeves equipped with air chambers. These chambers gradually inflate and deflate, creating pressure on the skin and underlying tissues.
The aim of pressotherapy is to promote venous and lymphatic return by stimulating blood circulation and reducing fluid stagnation in the legs or arms. In the lower body, this helps to relieve heaviness and swelling and reduce muscle and joint pain.
Well known in the world of sports for its benefits on athletic performance, pressotherapy is also widely used in the health and wellness industry. Today, it can be found in many beauty salons, spas, and wellness centers to help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
What are the advantages of using compression boots?
There are now many models of boots available on the market. They are most often equipped with several air-filled “chambers” that inflate and then deflate. Inflation can occur in two different ways:
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Chamber by chamber, from the foot to the top of the thigh. This is recommended for the treatment of water retention and cellulite.
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All chambers simultaneously: ideal for venous insufficiency.
The intermittent pressure generated by the boots helps to:
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Stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation.
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Reduce swelling and muscle discomfort.
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Improve recovery after exercise (or a long day at work) by relaxing your muscles.
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Promote general relaxation.
While pressotherapy cannot cure the main causes of heavy legs, it can alleviate the symptoms. By incorporating pressotherapy into your skincare routine, you can experience pain relief and reduced swelling. This treatment offers an effective solution for those seeking to combat the feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs and associated circulatory problems.
How effective are pressotherapy boots in treating heavy legs?
Pressotherapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating heavy legs and circulatory problems. It can be used at home with pressotherapy boots or in specialised centers. The treatment is generally painless and effective.
Numerous studies on the subject have shown the effectiveness of pressotherapy boots, with significant reductions in the volume of each leg in pregnant women suffering from edema, for example. The boots have also been shown to improve venous flow by a factor of 9!
But what are the advantages of using pressotherapy versus creams for heavy legs, compression stockings or socks, or even massages at the physiotherapist?
Pressotherapy boots vs. anti-heavy leg creams
Anti-heavy leg creams are widely used to temporarily relieve feelings of heaviness, swelling, and pain.
Advantages of creams:
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Easy to apply at home.
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Immediate and refreshing effect.
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Inexpensive and accessible.
Disadvantages of creams:
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Temporary effect, does not address the underlying cause.
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Does not promote deep venous return.
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Less effective for severe or persistent circulatory problems.
Pressotherapy:
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Advantages: Pressotherapy works deep down by directly improving blood and lymphatic circulation. It offers long-lasting effects, reducing swelling and relieving pain more permanently than a cream.
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Disadvantages: Requires a specialised device and can be expensive if used at home.
Pressotherapy vs. Manual Massage
Manual massage is a popular method for relieving swollen legs. A leg massage, performed with circular or pressure movements, can help relax muscles and stimulate blood circulation.
Advantages of manual massage:
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Immediate relaxing effect.
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Can be performed at home or at a spa.
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Promotes muscle relaxation and improves circulation in the short term.
Disadvantages of manual massage:
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Temporary results, especially if the underlying causes (poor circulation, varicose veins, etc.) are not treated.
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Requires someone to perform the massage, which can be inconvenient.
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Less precise and deep than a pressotherapy device.
Pressotherapy:
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Advantages: Pressotherapy offers an automated and more targeted massage through compression, allowing for deeper and more regular stimulation of blood and lymphatic circulation. It can also be used independently at home, without the help of another person.
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Disadvantages: May require a higher investment to purchase the device and a little more time for a full session.
Pressotherapy vs. Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are compression garments designed to apply pressure to the legs to promote blood circulation. They are often recommended for people with varicose veins, circulatory disorders, or for pregnant women.
Advantages of compression stockings:
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Convenient and wearable throughout the day.
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Effective prevention of long-term circulatory complications.
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Relatively affordable and accessible.
Disadvantages of compression stockings:
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Only effective while being worn, with no effect after removal.
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Can be uncomfortable, especially in hot weather.
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Not always sufficient to treat serious circulatory problems or intense pain.
Pressotherapy:
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Advantages: Pressotherapy goes further than compression stockings by offering dynamic compression, which simulates a deep massage. It activates both blood and lymphatic circulation, which is not the case with compression stockings.
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Disadvantages: Pressotherapy sessions require the use of a device and cannot be worn daily like compression stockings.
Key takeaways from this comparison
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Pressotherapy: A more comprehensive and profound solution, ideal for long-term treatment of circulatory problems, but requires an investment in equipment.
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Creams: Provide immediate relief, but their effect is temporary and less targeted than that of pressotherapy.
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Massages: Offer relaxation and short-term relief, but are less effective for persistent or severe circulatory problems.
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Compression stockings: Effective prevention and support, but do not directly treat symptoms as deeply as pressotherapy.
In summary, pressotherapy stands out for its effectiveness in treating heavy legs and poor circulation, offering longer-lasting and deeper effects than traditional treatments. However, it can be combined with other methods for optimal relief.
How can compression boots relieve heavy legs?
Pressotherapy boots can be used at any time, safely and easily. Simply sit or lie down to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
To fully enjoy their effects, it is recommended to use them at the end of the day for 20 to 30 minutes. However, there is no time limit: the only risk you run is that you won't be able to do without them!
You can use them directly on your skin or over your pants, whichever you prefer.
You can adjust the pressure in each chamber, allowing for personalized use tailored to your specific needs. There are no specific recommendations regarding pressure: you should feel compressed, but not in pain.
In summary
Pressotherapy boots are an innovative and effective solution for relieving heaviness in the legs, offering lasting and deep relief from circulatory symptoms. Although they cannot treat the underlying causes of this phenomenon, they can significantly reduce the feeling of heaviness, swelling, and pain. Compared to traditional solutions such as creams, manual massages, or compression stockings, pressotherapy stands out for its ability to deeply stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, offering longer-lasting results. By incorporating pressotherapy into your routine, you can enjoy daily comfort and a feeling of lightness, ideal for counteracting the effects of leg pain.
