Why Do Your Legs Feel Heavy All The Time?

If your legs have started to feel like extra baggage, you might be wondering about why it is happening. First things first, although this condition may seem daunting, it is easy to treat or get symptomatic relief by targeting the root causes. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the causes and a few management tips.

What Does Having A Heavy Leg Feel Like?

Having heavy legs is more than just the obvious physical change; signs like the ones mentioned below tag along with the feeling of fullness:

• Aching
• Swelling
• Tiredness
• Stiffness
• Leg cramping
• Skin discoloration

Causes

Here are some of the common reasons why one might be suffering from heavy legs:

1. Inadequate Blood Circulation
   The main reason behind heavy legs is often poor blood circulation. This issue is most frequent in the lower extremities due to the constant movement against gravity.
2. Varicose Veins
   Varicose veins are large and bumpy that show up on the skin’s surface and contribute to the heaviness. These veins lose their elasticity and valve strength, which becomes the triggering factor that hinders proper blood circulation. Some of the common reasons why this happens are:
   1. Aging
   2. Pregnancy
   3. Obesity
   4. Family history
3. Restless Leg Syndrome
   Uncomfortable sensations in your legs intensify the feeling of heaviness. If you are a smoker, use excessive alcohol, or take medications that alter brain chemicals, then restless leg syndrome must be it.

Relieving The Discomfort Of Heavy Legs

The first line of defense, as per Dr. Rajesh Ramineni, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a 5-star rated cardiologist in The Woodlands, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the field of Echocardiography, with advanced training in Interventional Cardiology and Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant Cardiology, is always lifestyle modifications for betterment.

1. Use of Compression Stockings
   These specially designed sock-like items apply gentle yet firm pressure to the legs, which, improving blood flow and circulation. This option is beneficial for those who stand or sit for long periods, as well as those with conditions like varicose veins or lymphedema. Compression stockings, in such cases, can significantly reduce swelling, fatigue, and the sensation of heaviness.
2. Implementing a Healthy Lifestyle
   Long-term relief from heavy legs starts with making positive changes in your habits. Some of the common practices like smoking, obesity, and an unhealthy diet, followed by low activity, contribute to alleviating the burden on your legs.

   Losing weight, elevating your legs, stopping the use of tobacco, and adopting a nutritious diet are all steps toward achieving this goal.

Medical Approaches

If heavy legs hamper your daily activities, professional assistance is necessary. Your healthcare providers might choose one of the following treatments:

1. Sclerotherapy
   It is a non-surgical method to treat varicose and spider veins. In sclerotherapy, a solution called a sclerosant is injected into the affected vein to close off the vein, causing it to shrink and redirect blood flow into healthier ones.
2. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
   Addressing varicose veins by a laser catheter, EVLA is a non-invasive procedure that closes off and shrinks the problematic veins. And just like sclerotherapy, it redirects blood into healthy veins but eliminates the need for invasive treatments.

Closing Note

Addressing the root cause and lifestyle modification is the way forward in dealing with heavy legs. Seeking advice from experienced specialists enhances your quality of life. If you have more questions, contact Healthy Living Heart and Vein, we are here to help you out. Our expert team can diagnose the root cause with their latest techniques and expertise. Do not hesitate to call us at (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment. Your health is our priority, and we are ready to assist you in every way possible.