Promoting good blood circulation is essential to maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. Poor circulation can result in some troublesome issues, such as leg pain, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Below are some various exercise options to help improve circulation:
Walking
Walking can often be uncomfortable for those suffering from venous disease. Some symptoms include leg cramping and fatigue, aching or tingling. Walking is a great way to promote the formation of new blood vessels which will result in increased blood flow and less leg pain. During the colder months, head to the gym and walk on the treadmill. If temperatures allow, get outside with a friend or walk your dog!
Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise option that gets your heart, lungs and muscles working without putting stress on your joints.
Leg Extensions
For this exercise, you will need ankle weights. Wrap the weights around your ankles and sit down on a chair. Slowly bring your right food up until your knee is fully straightened. Pause for a few seconds and then lower your foot to the ground. Try this for three sets of 10 repetitions on each leg. Leg extensions will strengthen the quadriceps – which is the upper part of the leg.
Hamstring Curls
This exercise will help the back of your upper leg. To start, wrap your weights around your ankles and hold onto a table or chair for balance. Once you have your balance, bend your knee and slowly bring the heel up towards your buttocks. Pause and then lower your foot back to the ground. Try this for three sets of 10 repetitions on each leg.
Heel-Toe Raises
Heel-toe raises can be done anywhere: at the office, sitting at home watching tv, or waiting at the doctor’s office for your appointment. To perform this exercise, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Raise your toes as high as you can while still keeping your heels on the ground. Return your feet to the flat position and raise your heels are high as you can while still keeping your toes on the ground.
If you’re suffering from leg pain, cramping and fatigue – we can help! Call us at (207) 772-1820 to discuss treatment options and schedule your complimentary leg screening.