The Glam Gam Guide

Tips and tricks for healthier, happier, and hotter legs!
There’s no better accessory than a pair of gorgeous gams. Yet despite their importance, our feet and  legs are often the last thing we think of during the day. It’s only once problems and unsightly symptoms start to develop (think bulging varicose veins, swelling, fatigue, and discomfort) that we finally take notice and start giving our hard-working legs the attention they deserve.

Don't wait for for leg problems to surface when you can take easy steps to prevent these challenges. Be proactive rather than reactive with your leg health. Start giving your legs some T.L.C. now & save yourself from painful symptoms & unattractive signs later. Or, if you’re already experiencing symptoms of leg troubles, control and manage them before they get worse.

To facilitate your journey towards healthier legs, we've compiled some information on common leg faux pas, easy holistic remedies, quick tips, and treatment ideas you can use to help preserve and protect those strong legs of yours.  Have additional user-based tips you don't see below? Share them with more members of our community on Facebook.

Glam Gam Don’ts

Faux-Pas: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

What exactly are varicose veins & spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins characterized by a red or blue color and a twisted, bulging, swollen appearance. They are frequently found on the thighs,  back of calves, and inner legs, and can also develop with pregnancy. Spider veins are the little sibling equivalent to varicose veins. Smaller and nearer the surface of the skin, they look like spiderwebs (hence the name) and can branch across sections of skin ranging from small to large in size.

What causes varicose veins and spider veins?
Thank genetics, lifestyle (stand or sit a lot?) and biological changes such as pregnancy. Why do our standing/sitting patterns affect us so much? It’s because the veins in the legs have a daunting task: all day, everyday they push blood all the way up from the feet back to the heart against the powerful force of gravity. Prolonged responsibility for this upward flow of blood can eventually cause the small valves within the veins to become weakened. When this weakening happens, the blood struggles to make its upward journey, and instead can actually begin to flow backward. Such ineffective movement can eventually manifest in the form of varicose veins. Spider veins also have similar origins, however they can also be caused by sun exposure, injuries and hormone changes.

What are common varicose vein & spider vein symptoms?
Tiredness, aching, cramping, heaviness, and swelling are all common symptoms associated with varicose veins. Sitting or standing for prolonged periods can exacerbate these uncomfortable sensations. 

Faux-Pas: Swollen Legs
Trouble squeezing your feet into those shoes that fit just fine the day before? Painless swelling in the feet and legs is a common side effect of prolonged standing, sitting, whether it be at a desk, long flights or car rides, pregnancy, being overweight, injury, and increased age. Caused by the build up of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs, it’s often most noticeable in the lower part of the body thanks to the effects of gravity. Certain medications can also cause legs to swell.

Faux-Pas: Leg Fatigue
Feel like you’re carrying anvils on your feet? You’re not alone. A large majority of women are affected by leg fatigue. Though sometimes caused by genetics, leg fatigue can also be caused by poor circulation. Prolonged sitting or standing can exacerbate this stress.

Glam Gam Do’s

DRINK UP
Sip water throughout the day and avoid overindulging in beverages such as alcohol or coffee, both of which can be dehydrating.

GET MOVING
Get your blood flowing & heart pumping with some exercise, and avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods. No time for a full workout? Take short 5 minutes walks spread throughout your day.

ELEVATE
Propping your feet up on pillows while sitting is an easy and relaxing way to give your legs a well-deserved break.

SAY NO TO TOO-TIGHT
Avoid restrictive and tight-fitting clothing as it can impair proper circulation. In fact, tight pants, pantyhose, and shapewear that compresses uniformly (as opposed to in a gradient way) can actually worsen varicose veins. If your looking for shapwear with the added benefits of graduated compression, check out Solidea.

DON’T BE CROSS
Be aware of how you sit. Crossing your legs at the knees? Break the habit now. Crossing your legs can impede healthy circulation and exacerbate varicose veins. Can’t resist? Opt for a cross at the ankle instead.

WATCH THAT WAISTLINE
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways to protect your legs since carrying extra pounds adds stress so the legs. Eat clean and exercise to get your blood moving and maintain that fabulous figure.

WHATS UP DOC?
If your legs are showing symptoms such as unusual swelling, pain, numbness, and tingling, visit your doctor to be sure the proper treatments are being applied to your situation.

LEND SOME SUPPORT
Show your legs some love by enveloping them with the added support of graduated compression stockings.