Getting aching legs even though youre on your feet less? There are a couple of likely culprits both related to your circulatory system. Varicose veins affect about 30pcof the population roughly half of patients can see them on the surface, but the rest will only know they have them when they get aching legs, swollen ankles, red or brown stains around the ankles, phlebitis or leg ulcers,"explains Mark Whiteley, consultant venous surgeon and founder of The Whiteley Clinic. "During lockdown, many people have been less active and so we have seen more people coming in who have deteriorated quicker than we would expect.

Theres also another concern. Deep vein thrombosis, or clotting in the deep veins of the legs, can form in patients who are unwell or dehydrated, or less mobile than usual. DVT is also associated with underlying cancers in 10pcof people and because many people have not gone to doctors during lockdown because they are worried about Covid, then there may be a proportion of patients who have had undiagnosed cancers continue to grow, causing DVTs.

How to fix it: If you suspect you have either of this issues, then the only permanent fix is a diagnosis and treatment but if youre still isolating, then mobility and good health are a sensible stopgap. Keep well hydrated and walk as much as possible, says Whiteley.For varicose veins in particular, you can elevate the leg when youre resting, and wear graduated compression stockings if your circulation is good. However, none of these will give a good long-term outcome without finding the underlying problem and treating it.

More here:
What lockdown has done to our bodies and how to fix it - The Telegraph

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