If you’re struggling with neuropathy, you already know how frustrating the tingling, burning, numbness can be.
But what if I told you that one overlooked muscle in your body could be making your neuropathy symptoms even worse?
It’s your calves, and they’re often referred to as your “second heart.” Why?
Because they pump blood back to your heart, keeping circulation moving and ensuring that your nerves get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy.
But when your calves are weak or stiff, circulation slows down. The result? Swollen feet, numbness, and even worsening nerve damage.
The good news is that you can fix this naturally, and it’s easier than you think.
How Your ‘Second Heart’ Controls Circulation
Most people assume that the heart is solely responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. But here’s the truth—your calves play a huge role in circulation, especially in your lower legs and feet.
Here’s how it works:
When you walk or move your feet, your calf muscles contract.
These contractions push blood back up to your heart, preventing it from pooling in your lower legs.
This process keeps oxygen and nutrients flowing to your nerves, helping to repair damage and reduce pain.
But what happens when your calves are weak, stiff, or underused?
Poor circulation ➡️ Blood flow slows down, leaving your feet swollen and painful.
Increased nerve damage ➡️ Without proper blood supply, your nerves degenerate faster, leading to more burning, tingling, and numbness.
Higher fall risk ➡️ Weak calves affect balance and mobility, making falls more likely.
The result? Your neuropathy symptoms get worse even if you’re taking medications or using creams.
3 Signs Your ‘Second Heart’ is Weak
How do you know if poor circulation from weak calves worsens your neuropathy? Look for these signs:
- Swollen Feet & Ankles – Fluid buildup in your lower legs is a sign that blood is pooling instead of circulating properly.
- Cold Feet or Numbness – Poor circulation can starve your nerves of oxygen, making your feet feel numb, icy, or “dead.”
- Cramping or Tightness in Your Calves – If your calves cramp up easily, they may be too weak to pump blood efficiently.
If any of these sound familiar, don’t worry—there are simple, natural ways to strengthen your second heart and improve your circulation today!
How to Activate Your ‘Second Heart’ for Better Circulation & Less Pain
The key to improving circulation and reducing neuropathy pain? Keeping your calves active and strong! Here are three easy, at-home ways to do it:
1️⃣ Simple Calf Pumps (Do This Every Morning!)
Before you even get out of bed, try this:
Point your toes up toward your knees, then down like you’re pressing a gas pedal.
Repeat 20-30 times to wake up your circulation.
This simple movement helps pump stagnant blood out of your legs and back toward your heart.
2️⃣ Heel Raises for Stronger Calves
This is one of the easiest ways to keep your ‘second heart’ working:
Stand or sit with your feet flat.
Slowly lift your heels off the ground, then lower them back down.
Repeat 10-15 times to activate the muscles that push blood back to your heart.
If you struggle to maintain balance while doing this exercise standing up, click here for helpful tips to improve your stability.
3️⃣ FlexRelief Compression Therapy for Faster Circulation & Relief
Exercise is key, but sometimes your body needs extra help to get circulation moving again. That’s where FlexRelief Compression Therapy comes in.
The FlexRelief Compression Massager works by:
✔️ Using gentle compression to stimulate blood flow and prevent swelling.
✔️ Reducing inflammation and stiffness in the calves and feet.
✔️ Helping nerves regenerate by improving oxygen and nutrient delivery.
For those already using cold laser therapy like RedRevive, FlexRelief is the perfect complement—it enhances circulation before or after a session, making it easier for nerves to heal and muscles to relax.
Many neuropathy sufferers notice improvements in just a few sessions—especially when combined with simple exercises!
Bottom Line: Take Care of Your Second Heart, and It Will Take Care of You
Neuropathy doesn’t have to control your life. By keeping your calves strong and circulation flowing, you can reduce pain, improve nerve health, and regain mobility.
Start today:
✅ Try the simple calf movements above.
✅ Stay consistent—small daily efforts make a BIG difference.
✅ Want a faster way to boost circulation? Check out the FlexRelief Compression Massager for a natural, drug-free solution to improve blood flow and relieve nerve pain.