How do you apprehend with winter when you suffer from heavy legs and varicose veins?

Winter is generally a more favorable season for people suffering from heavy legs, poor circulation and/or varicose veins. Cold weather tends to improve venous symptoms. So the persistence and sometimes aggravation of heavy legs during the winter months should be a cause for alarm.

Heavy legs can be a symptom of a variety of situations:

• - Poor venous circulation: venous blood from the legs doesn't flow back to the heart, causing varicose veins and swelling -> this is venous insufficiency.
• Poor lymphatic circulation: the lymph (the plasma part of the blood that rises to the top of the legs) does not drain properly, causing swelling (which also affects the feet and toes) and heaviness.
• Excess weight: an accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the legs impedes veno-lymphatic drainage and causes heaviness.
• - Lipedema: these are "pole legs" where there is also an accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the legs, but this fat has a very particular structure, with pain (particularly to the touch), effacement of the ankles (whereas the foot is normal) and bruising.

In winter, the cold causes vasoconstriction, i.e. a narrowing of the veins, which reduces venous congestion due to the dilation of the veins when temperatures are normal. So in winter, congestion is reduced, and the sensation of heavy legs is diminished.

This may mean that, despite vasoconstriction, venous drainage is not improving, with persistent leg heaviness signifying a potential worsening of venous insufficiency. This is a warning sign that should prompt consultation of a vascular specialist.

Leg heaviness in winter can also be the result of :

• Reduced physical activity: in winter, bad weather, plummeting temperatures and earlier nightfall encourage us to take less exercise outdoors (walking, sports, etc.). Lack of movement prevents venous return and encourages blood stagnation in the lower limbs.
• Weight gain: our diet is often richer and more caloric in winter, which can lead to weight gain (especially if we reduce our physical activity) and consequent leg heaviness.
• Underfloor heating: prolonged presence in rooms with underfloor heating, especially if you're walking around at work for example, can lead to venous dilation and congestion.

Stay active

Even in the coldest months, it's essential to maintain regular physical activity. Walking, cycling or swimming are ideal exercises. If you find it difficult to get out in the cold, consider stretching and bending your legs at home. These movements stimulate venous return and limit blood stagnation in the legs.

Wear appropriate clothing

In winter, we tend to dress warmer, but it's important not to wear clothes that are too tight, which could compress the legs and impair circulation. Opt for comfortable clothing and compression stockings, which help support blood flow.

Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated

A diet rich in antioxidants, found in fruits (especially citrus fruits) and vegetables, helps strengthen vein walls and improve blood circulation. In winter, we can forget to keep well hydrated, as the sensation of thirst is often less present. However, drinking enough water is essential to avoid dehydration, which can make blood more viscous and slow circulation.

Elevate your legs regularly

After a day spent standing or sitting, elevating your legs for 15 to 20 minutes can bring immediate relief. This simple gesture improves venous return and reduces the feeling of heaviness in the legs. It's an easy way to make daily care part of your routine.

Despite these precautions, some people continue to suffer from painful or unsightly varicose veins. In such cases, it may be useful to turn to medical solutions. The ASVAL method, developed by Doctor Pittaluga (Ablation Sélective des Varices sous Anesthésie Locale - Selective Varicose Vein Removal under Local Anaesthesia), is a minimally invasive alternative that allows only diseased varicose veins to be removed, while preserving healthy vein segments.

Unlike more traditional methods, ASVAL respects the natural anatomy of the veins, offering faster recovery with less risk of recurrence.

This technique is particularly well-suited to active people who wish to resume their activities quickly after the procedure. It enables varicose veins to be treated in a targeted manner, with lasting aesthetic and functional results.

The message to remember is that the appearance, persistence or worsening of leg heaviness in winter should raise the alarm about the possible worsening of venous insufficiency, and should lead to consultation of a vascular specialist to detect and treat such an unfavorable evolution.