Heavy legs, particularly calves

[AzureBlue99]

My legs have got heavy in the post menopausal years. My thighs were never slimline but they have got bigger. But not puffy/water retention. My calves are now the problem area. Bigger than before but I am aware of them because of the puffy feeling in them. Yesterday, so busy at work, sedentary (with a fair bit of stair climbing) and only did 5000 steps throughout the day. Last night my legs felt so heavy and puffy, particularly my calves. They were filling out the bottom of my jeans, and that is not a regular thing.

I know I have to incorporate more movement into my working day, but is there any exercise I can do quickly in the evening to depuff them?

I am not an expert whatsoever. If it was me I would try legs up the wall (lie on my bed with my butt where my pillow usually is, and put my legs up resting against the wall) and then point and flex my feet slowly.

But I also think that if this is a new thing it is worth going to get it checked out

Yes, trying lying with legs up the wall won't hurt anyway (unless you don't find it comfortable). I find it very relaxing. Promotes lymphatic drainage, all good. It probably is water retention unless you have gained weight on your legs as well.

You need to elevate your legs but is your footwear making it worse? You might need a shoe that isn’t completely flat and has an insole

Research lipoedema (not to be confused with lymphoedema) and see if the symptoms fit. Heavy legs are a symptom.

Heavy or tight calf’s can be related to muscles and tendons which run from calf under feet. Do you wear insoles?