Living with the feeling of heavy, weighted-down, and stiff legs is certainly uncomfortable. These symptoms also have a range of potential causes, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. According to MedicalNewsToday, heavy legs can be a result of overtraining, peripheral arterial disease, lymphedema, pregnancy, circulation problems, lipedema, or even a combination of these conditions.
Are heavy legs a concerning symptom? It depends. Keep reading as we break down some of these conditions and how heavy legs can contribute to their severity. Regardless of their cause, however, heavy legs can play a major role in your overall quality of life.
If you suspect a circulation issue is causing your heavy legs, contact the board-certified vein physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) to gain clarity. We can provide an in-depth evaluation to give you answers. Just as important, our compassionate vascular care physicians will lay out a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatment plan that addresses the root of the problem.
If you identify with one or more of the conditions we’ve recognized above as those related to heavy legs, there’s no immediate cause for concern. The first step is determining whether you’re experiencing heavy legs. While some signs are obvious, such as leg fatigue, a weighted-down feeling, and leg soreness, others can be a bit more subtle, meaning the specific sensations may vary depending on your diagnosis. Other symptoms related to heavy legs include:
While these symptoms don’t necessarily align with feelings of leg “heaviness,” they’re worth taking note of and reporting to your doctor because they can provide important insights into an underlying diagnosis.
We mentioned that heavy legs have a series of possible causes. Here are a few of the most common:
Overtraining Syndrome (OTS), also described as muscle fatigue, can contribute to feelings of heaviness in the legs. It’s more than simply feeling tired after a workout; OTS is a medical condition with a series of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about two-thirds of all high-level athletes will experience OTS at some point in their lives.
OTS has three different phases, each progressing into a different set of symptoms. While the earlier stages typically last a few weeks, severe stages can last for months or more. Although it can be easy to dismiss symptoms as typical soreness after a workout, even minor symptoms, and warning signs, such as mood changes, should be addressed with your doctor to prevent potential complications and ensure your workout routine is a good fit for your needs.
Heavy legs are common during pregnancy for several reasons, many involving hormones. Swelling in the legs, for example — a condition called edema — becomes even more of a risk as a result of these changes, especially when coupled with extra body weight and blood volume. According to Parents.com, this swelling can also be triggered by exercising, eating salty foods, fatigue, caffeine intake, and walking or standing for long periods of time.
Are heavy legs a cause for concern during pregnancy? Only when accompanied by swelling of the face and hands, severe or constant headaches, blurred vision, or gaining more than a pound a day, as these are symptoms of preeclampsia, which can cause serious complications if left untreated. Other times, however, feelings of leg heaviness will resolve on their own after pregnancy.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by a tingling, aching, throbbing, or crawling sensation in the legs. It typically occurs while resting or at night and can be temporarily relieved with movement. While the cause of RLS is mainly unknown, it’s believed to involve genetics and a dysfunctional component in the way the brain processes movement signals.
Risk factors for RLS include smoking, drinking alcohol, having nerve damage, and pregnancy. Certain medications can also increase its risk, and research suggests that those with fibromyalgia are ten times more likely to develop RLS. While the symptoms of RLS on their own aren’t necessarily concerning, it’s important to contact a physician if they’re growing worse with time or impacting your quality of life.
Finally, one major cause of heavy legs and similar symptoms involves circulation problems such as varicose veins. These form when the valves in your veins can no longer function normally, resulting in a pooling of blood in the affected vessels, typically in the legs. The veins grow larger, lose elasticity, and form a bumpy, twisted, or knotted shape. They can appear as a dark blue or purple color, as well.
Varicose veins often contribute to feelings of leg heaviness, muscle cramping, swelling, itching, burning, throbbing, and other uncomfortable sensations. Spider veins are like varicose veins that are closer to the surface of the skin. They have similar symptoms, however may remain a cosmetic condition.
Are circulation problems such as varicose and spider veins a concern when it comes to heavy legs? According to the Mayo Clinic, if you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your veins and still have physical symptoms after incorporating self-care measures such as compression stockings and moderate exercise into your daily routine, it may be time to see a professional.
Ultimately, feelings of heavy legs may come and go throughout the day, making the cause of this symptom and others related to it challenging to identify. Some conditions involving heavy legs require urgent medical attention; others will likely heal with time and don’t require treatment. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of every potential cause of heavy legs, taking the time to understand some possible contributing factors can give you the confidence you need to seek treatment and dramatically improve your well-being.
Curious to learn more? Contact us today to explore our state-of-the-art therapy methods. We’ll be glad to help put your mind and legs at ease with a thorough evaluation, medical diagnosis, and minimally invasive treatment plan.
Call our hotline today to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options at 240-965-3915. You can also schedule ONLINE.
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