4 Solutions for Seniors With Leg Discomfort

They take us where we need to go, keep us upright when we’re standing, and take up about half our body length. When your legs are in pain, it’s not really something you can ignore. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to head to the doctor’s office to find a decent remedy for leg discomfort. With the right tools and fitness regiment, you can feel good and get that bounce back in your step. 

1. Exercise

While pain in your lower extremities might make it feel like you can’t work out, a little fitness routine is often the solution to what ails you. The best exercises are simple and painless—you can even do them while you watch TV or chat with a friend.

• Ankle circles
• Calf raises
• Half squats
• Leg extensions

Any movement is better than no movement at all. Start slow with sets of five reps, then increase the number as your legs feel better. Ankle circles and leg extensions can be done from your favorite chair, or even under the table while you eat a meal. Calf raises and squats require a little more space and movement, but just a few sets will do a world of good for your legs. 

Of course, going for a walk gets the job done as well. Move at your own pace and for as little time as you like, just make sure you get proactive with your fitness and take a few moments each day to strengthen those leg muscles. 

2. Stretch

Strength training can only go so far when muscles get tight and sore, making the stretching portion of any routine very important. 

Touching your toes might not be in the cards anymore, but that’s OK. The new routine might look more like using an RMS Leg Lifter to get your foot on an ottoman and then stretching your calf. You can also lean against a chair or table with your legs straight to get a nice stretch in your hamstrings. As long as you feel that pleasant burn in the right areas, you’re doing what needs to be done. 

Make sure to stretch before exercising to avoid an injury or setback. If you have the time, it’s always a good idea to stretch afterward as well.  

3. Attire

With the right dress code, you can make your legs feel healthier without doing anything other than getting dressed in the morning.

Comfortable shoes aren’t just for your feet. If you have the right type of walking shoe, you’ll notice a difference all the way up to your hips and in your lower back. If you’ve been wearing the same pair for a long time and the tread is worn down, time for something new with a little added cushion. 

Beneath the shoe, a pair of stockings or compression socks can help restore your leg’s circulation. Getting your feet inside compression socks can feel like a daunting task, but an RMS Sock Aid Kit might be the perfect fix for that struggle.

4. Rest

Fear not—it’s not all hard work when it comes to overcoming leg pain. Rest and relaxation—when done properly— are important components. Sitting in a recliner, while comfortable on your backside, doesn’t relieve the pressure that causes so much of our discomfort. Instead, try lying in bed with your feet propped on a pillow so they’re resting above your heart. This can relieve a lot of the tension that builds up during a day of walking, standing, and sitting.

The longer you keep your legs healthy, the happier you’ll be. Lower body fitness can easily be incorporated into your daily routine, you just have to remind yourself to do it and make sure you have the right tools to get it done.