Move your body text and character

Excercise

Move your body

Moving your body improves circulation and promotes healing. Simple exercises and daily movement will support your body and help it heal.

A leg ulcer not only puts you under physical strain and stress but also can have a big impact on your mental well being. This is often due to the condition getting in the way of your daily activities and your ability to continue your usual routines.

Be sure you give your mental wellbeing as much emphasis as your physical recovery. To help get your mental health in check we have compiled some support and resources below.

Exercises

Level 1 Essential Yoga

Video duration icon6 min

Level 2 Serene Yoga

Video duration icon7 min

Level 3 Advanced Yoga

Video duration icon7 min

Stretches

The auto massage

The Auto-Massage

This movement will relax your ankles and stretch your calves, improving blood flow to the heart, essential to healing

The aheadlights

The Headlights

This will straighten your back, improving your posture and breathing, which in turn will help improve blood flow and healing.

The auto massage

The Mountain

This will improve your posture allowing you to breathe in deeply and freely. This is essential to promote both good tissue oxygenation and venous return to heal.

The Tip Toe

The Tip Toe

This movement will stretch your ankle and calf muscles, improving blood flow to the heart, and therefore healing.

Resources

Use this helpful map to find your local Leg Club

Use this factsheet to help get yourself moving, set goals, and achieve them!

Use this factsheet for inspiration to get moving, or even find a new hobby!

Man wearing a compression garment

Can I exercise if I have a leg ulcer?

Absolutely! It will aid your venous system in activating the foot and calf muscle pumps to get blood flow up your legs.

Does massaging help my legs and circulation?

Gentle massaging the legs may help relieve aches and tired muscles and can improve a feeling of wellbeing. It can stimulate the lymphatic system which supports our immune system. Ask about specialist techniques if you have a diagnosis of lymphoedema from your health care specialist lower limb services.

Can I wear compression when exercising?

Yes, it will support the veins to push the blood up the body as you move.

I have no sensation in my lower legs, what can I do to prevent leg ulcers occurring?

If you can, move your legs or get assistance, seek advice from physiotherapists on the best type of movement for your individual needs. Monitor your legs and feet regularly for any changes or breaks to the skin and get a health care professional assessment.

Latest blog posts

Woman drinking water

10.02.23 / Move your body

Get into the flow

The human body is made up of around 60% of water, so it’s not surprising that water has so many essential roles. The Eatwell Guide from the NHS recommends that we drink 6-8 cups of fluid a day. But why is that? Have a look at just some of the ways water keeps us going: Enables us to regulate body temperature Acts as a lubricant for joints Provides an environment for cells to function properly Aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients...

legs-go-blog

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