Your legs carry you around all day — and by the evening, you really feel it.
Heavy, tired legs and swollen ankles are usually caused by fluid and lymph build-up — it’s not a question of self-discipline. Targeted exercises can help relieve this feeling of heaviness.
Free body consultation →CHF 0 · 30 mins · no sales pressure
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Perhaps you've been there:
Towards evening, your legs start to feel heavy and tired, as if you were carrying weights.
After a long flight or a long car journey, your ankles are swollen.
In summer and when it’s hot, everything gets worse — your legs feel tight and your shoes pinch.
Before your period or during pregnancy, you visibly retain more water.
In the evening, the socks leave deep marks on my calves.
You spend a lot of time sitting or standing at work — and you pay the price for it in the evenings.
Why your legs feel heavy
Heavy legs occur when fluid is no longer properly drained from the tissues. During the day, the veins and lymphatic system work against gravity to transport blood and tissue fluid upwards from the legs. If you sit or stand for long periods, the muscle pump that helps with this is not working — fluid builds up in your calves and ankles. You feel this as a sensation of heaviness, tightness and tiredness.
Heat causes the blood vessels to dilate and exacerbates the condition. Hormones also play a major role: before a period, during pregnancy or whilst taking the pill, the body retains more water and the connective tissue becomes more permeable. Genetic predisposition and a weaker venous or lymphatic system are also contributing factors.
The lymphatic system is the key drainage pathway here. When it is stimulated, the accumulated fluid drains away more effectively — and your legs feel lighter.
What matters
- Fluid and lymphatic congestion, not discipline — Heavy legs are caused by mechanical factors, not by a lack of exercise.
- Exercise acts as a muscle pump — it helps the reflux; sitting or standing for long periods slows it down.
- Hormones and heat intensify — Your period, pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and heat cause your body to retain more water.
- Stimulate lymph flow — a stimulated lymphatic system drains the fluid more effectively.
What really does make heavy legs feel lighter
The most effective remedies are those that help prevent reflux: exercise, elevating the legs, compression, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding heat. Cooling gels feel pleasant for a short while, but they do not alter the congestion deep within — they only work on the surface.
You can bring about specific changes by directly stimulating the lymphatic system and microcirculation. That is exactly what we do: we get the drainage of accumulated fluid going, thereby helping to make your legs feel lighter. To be honest, this is about tackling that heavy feeling and promoting a sense of well-being — it does not cure venous disorders.
Important: Heavy and swollen legs can also have serious underlying causes. If swelling occurs suddenly, affects only one leg, is painful, feels warm to the touch or does not subside, please see your doctor first to rule out thrombosis or other causes. We do not treat acute thrombosis, infections or unstable cardiovascular conditions.
How we relieve swelling in your legs
We use two gentle, device-assisted methods that stimulate the lymphatic system and microcirculation and get the accumulated fluid moving.
Core treatments
Icoone® Laser Med
Micro-vacuum technology, utilising thousands of tiny chambers, mobilises the tissue, stimulates lymphatic circulation and helps to drain away accumulated fluid — gently and in a way that is kind to the blood vessels, making it ideal for heavy legs and swollen ankles.
Find out more →Endospheres® Therapy
Compressive microvibration using 55 silicone spheres promotes microcirculation and lymphatic flow — completely vacuum-free and particularly gentle. Comfortable even on sensitive, tense legs.
Find out more →Both treatments cover the whole area and can be combined effectively. We’ll work out a personalised plan for you, deciding how often and at what intervals it makes sense — heavy legs usually benefit from a course of treatments and some daily care. You can find out more about our body treatments in the Body system.
Free body consultation →Three steps to lighter legs
Free body consultation
30 minutes at the clinic. We’ll take a look at your legs, identify any possible triggers and assess whether a medical examination is advisable — and plan the right course of treatment for you. No pressure to buy.
Clear blockages + activate
Using Icoone® or Endospheres®, we stimulate the lymphatic system and microcirculation and get the accumulated fluid moving — over the course of several sessions.
Maintaining a light touch
The feeling of heaviness often improves quite early on. As the causes are rooted in everyday life, we maintain the results through regular sessions and a few simple habits.
Experience in lymphatic care — and honest advice.
Specialisation
Focus on pre-ageing, V-NISSG-certified team of women — with a genuine emphasis on the lymphatic system, drainage and microcirculation. Exactly the expertise you need for heavy legs.
Gentle and kind to the blood vessels
We use micro-vacuum and microvibration at the cellular level — gentle on veins and tissue, and comfortable even for tired legs.
Honest advice
We’re open about what rehabilitation can and cannot achieve — and when it’s better to seek medical advice first. Even if you don’t book anything today.
You might be wondering
Does it really help with heavy legs?
For mild to moderate symptoms, yes. In a randomised study, lymphatic drainage improved the sensation of heaviness, tiredness and oedema in the legs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (Crisóstomo et al., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2015). We achieve this drainage effect using Icoone® and Endospheres®. To be honest: it alleviates the feeling of heaviness and the symptoms — but it does not cure the venous condition.
Why do my legs feel heavy?
During the day, the veins and lymphatic system have to transport fluid upwards from the legs against the force of gravity. Sitting or standing for long periods, heat and hormonal water retention slow down this return flow — fluid builds up in the calves and ankles, and you feel this as a sensation of heaviness (Study on the ‘heavy legs’ symptom, PMC). A feeling of heaviness and tired legs are often the first signs.
Is this related to my period or my pregnancy?
Yes, very often. Before your period, during pregnancy and whilst on the pill, your body retains more water due to hormonal changes — your legs then feel heavier. This is particularly common during pregnancy; gentle exercise is possible after the first trimester, provided you avoid the abdominal and lower back areas. If in doubt, we’ll check with your doctor.
When should I see a doctor first?
Heavy and swollen legs are usually harmless, but can have serious underlying causes. If swelling occurs suddenly, affects only one leg, is painful, feels warm to the touch or does not subside, please see your doctor first to rule out thrombosis or other causes. We do not treat acute thrombosis, infections or unstable cardiovascular conditions.
Is there an Icoone treatment for the legs?
Yes. Icoone® has its own leg treatment programme designed to stimulate lymphatic drainage and microcirculation. A study showed that Icoone® can improve mild oedema of the calves and ankles, with the effect lasting for several weeks following a course of treatment (Palmieri, clinical study on icoone®). The results are then maintained through individual sessions.
How many sessions will I need, and will the effects last?
Heavy legs usually require a course of several sessions, as the build-up of fluid gradually subsides over time. The feeling of heaviness often improves quite early on. As the triggers are linked to everyday life — sitting, standing, heat, hormones — the best way to maintain the results is through regular sessions.
What can I do myself to relieve heavy legs?
A few things. Exercise regularly, keep your legs elevated from time to time, wear compression stockings if necessary, drink plenty of fluids and avoid prolonged exposure to heat. Alternate between sitting and standing whenever possible — movement acts as a natural muscle pump, helping the blood to flow back from your legs.
How much does treatment for heavy legs cost?
Icoone® and Endospheres® cost CHF 250 per session each; you can find treatment packages on the Price list. We’ll discuss how many sessions and how often would be best for you during the free consultation.
Before you book — let’s have a chat.
30 minutes at the clinic. CHF 0. We’ll take a look at your legs, identify any possible triggers and the right course of action — and you’ll go home with a clear plan. No treatment, no pressure to buy.
Free body consultation →CHF 0 · 30 mins · Konradstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich Central Station
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„Aleksandra was very professional, warm and friendly. She gave me excellent advice on what I needed, even though I’d booked a completely different treatment. All the risks and considerations were clearly explained, and I never felt like I was being pressured into anything. A great consultation… I’ve found my new go-to place for treatments.'
„A huge thank you to Alex for her advice. Her expertise and her calm, professional manner won me over straight away. She takes her time, tailors her advice to individual needs and gives fantastic tips for a home skincare routine. It’s exactly the kind of consultation you’d hope for – knowledgeable, warm and genuine."
„I really appreciate that there’s no pressure to buy extra services or products – just genuine, high-quality care. After nearly a year of visiting Alestetics, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Alex has been professional, kind and attentive throughout my visits. I highly recommend them!"
„I love coming here; it always feels like I’m going to a spa. They don’t try to sell me anything and are very open about what the treatments can (and cannot) do for me. They take health and wellbeing very seriously and always make sure I know how to look after myself outside the clinic as well."
„Alex is amazing! She listens to what the customer needs and explains the process. She is very knowledgeable and also makes recommendations. For me, her fluency in English is extremely helpful when we communicate."
„I had a Vivace treatment combined with PRX-T33. The appointment went smoothly; the staff were very professional and efficient. The clinic is close to HB and centrally located. Alexandra was very nice and friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back!"
„I had RF microneedling and EXILIS treatments on my stomach at Alestetics and am extremely pleased with the results. In fact, the results are much more noticeable than I had expected. Katia is highly professional, very attentive and incredibly warm. I highly recommend her!"
„I spent a long time looking for the right salon for me and I’m absolutely delighted that I chose alestetics®. The salon is beautiful, and everything is spotlessly clean and hygienic. Thanks to the team’s caring, friendly and professional manner, I felt very comfortable and safe throughout the entire treatment."
„I’ve been to Alestetics several times now. Before the treatment, they carried out an Aura skin analysis, during which they explained my skin condition to me in great detail — it was incredibly professional and transparent. Katia, Antonia and Alex are incredibly caring, knowledgeable and professional. You never feel like 'just another customer'."
„Today I had my first laser treatment (4 areas) with Katia and I felt completely at ease. She was particularly sensitive to my needs, as I can be a bit sensitive to pain at times. Her friendly manner made the treatment a really pleasant experience!"
„Katia is simply brilliant at her job! I’ve now had my third laser treatment. As I’m quite sensitive to pain, I really appreciate the fact that Katia always distracts me with a friendly chat. I feel very well looked after."
„I had a wonderful experience at the aesthetics clinic with Katia. She took the time to listen to my concerns, explained everything clearly, and made sure I felt confident throughout. I would highly recommend Katia for high-quality and truly personalised treatment."
„Review of the BTL Exilis treatment. I’m an active man and work out regularly, but despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get rid of that stubborn belly fat. I noticed a difference after just the first treatment. After several sessions, the difference was clearly visible."
„All the treatments here are sensational. This wellness haven truly lives up to its reputation. It’s centrally located — right next to Zurich main station — and the atmosphere at the spa is serene and calm. Every visit to Alestetics is my monthly treat and feels like a mini-break."
„I’ve had several Endospheres treatments at alestetics. Alex and Katia are very professional, but also very friendly and caring. They’ve always taken my needs and wishes into account (avoiding the tummy after pregnancy). I can’t recommend them highly enough!"
„I had five EXILIS treatments with Katia at alestetics®. The service was excellent – Katia is very professional and warm, and explains everything in detail. You feel at ease with her straight away. I’d definitely recommend her!"
„I feel understood, and they're absolutely lovely and professional!!"
„I had an excellent experience with the Icoone treatment. Antonia was simply fantastic – very professional, warm and incredibly friendly. She took plenty of time and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire treatment."
„I visit Alestetics regularly for Hydrafacial and microneedling treatments. The team are really friendly and flexible. The location is perfect, and the studio is clean and comfortable. After three treatments, my skin feels much clearer and my pores are slightly smaller."
„I feel completely at ease with Alex and her team! From the welcome to the treatments, the hygiene and the atmosphere: everything is simply always perfect. I originally came across Alestetics because of their laser treatments, but now I also go there for my facials."
„The treatments at Alestetics have worked wonders on my sensitive skin. With Katia, you’re in absolutely professional hands!"
„I'm absolutely delighted to have found this clinic in Zurich where, after just four sessions, I've seen amazing results! The girl who looks after me, Katia, is so lovely; she put me at ease right from the start and is incredibly professional!"
„My favourite salon in Zh! Top-notch service, lovely welcome tea, friendly staff, helpful consultations, and I left feeling happy and glowing, looking gorgeous after my treatments. Thanks Katia, Alexandra, and the Alestetics team – one love!"
„At first, I was really impressed by the Endospheres therapy. But the Icoone treatment has surpassed everything: it massages the skin gently and painlessly from head to toe. I started the treatments less for firmer skin and more for my health. The team are like best friends to me."
„Very friendly and professional staff, who take the time to carry out a skin analysis and offer valuable advice! I highly recommend it. It was a pleasure to have the AURA 3D skin analysis and to discuss my daily skincare routine."