Perpetual fatigue in the legs is a common symptom that occurs due to a range of factors—old age, obesity, and sitting/standing for excessive periods of time, to a name a few.
Determining the cause of the problem can help you get proper treatment and find relief.
Let’s look at some possible causes of your legs feeling fatigued:
1. Restless legs syndrome – Fatigued Legs
Restless legs syndrome is an uncomfortable feeling in the legs, typically described as throbbing, aching, crawling and numbing while a person is resting their legs.
The condition is temporarily relieved with movement, which is why so many people who deal with it tap their feet or shake their legs.
Research suggests that there’s a strong association between restless legs and fibromyalgia—a condition that causes fatigue and chronic muscle pain.
2. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
A type of cardiovascular disease, PAD causes fatty deposits to build up in the walls of arteries, narrowing them.
PAD commonly occurs in the legs, partially cutting off blood circulation to the legs and feet, causing them to feel tired, cramped, heavy or achy—some of the first signs of this disease.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are some common risk factors, affecting nearly eight to twelve million Americans.
3. Varicose veins
Legs that feel stiff, tired, and weighed down for no apparent reason may indicate a vein condition, like varicose veins.
This occurs due to the weakening of the vein walls and valves, as a result of which the blood pools in the veins. Varicose veins cause the affected veins to stretch and protrude.
Swollen, twisted, or enlarged veins—typically on the leg, knee, and back—are telltale signs of varicose veins. They appear larger and more apparent than surrounding veins.
Varicose veins occur as a result of the veins losing their elasticity, and can lead to swelling, pain, and blood clots.
Fortunately, varicose veins can be treated through minimally invasive procedures like Sclerotherapy, Radiofrequency Ablation, Laser Ablation and Varithena. A vein specialist will determine the method of treatment that best suits your condition.
4. Chronic venous insufficiency
Heavy or fatigued legs can also indicate the presence of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
The legs and feet have one-way valves that are designed to keep blood from pooling. When a person has CVI, these valves weaken and are unable to send the blood back to the heart. As a result, patients complain of tired, heavy legs, varicose veins and spider veins.
Venous insufficiency is common in women in their 40s and men in their 70s. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing can also cause this condition.
Consult with a vein doctor today to get a proper diagnosis for conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, spider veins, and restless leg syndrome.
Head over to Varicose Veins Doctors, a leading vein treatment clinic in NYC that has a team of certified vein physicians who can provide customized treatment plans for your conditions.
Call 212-906-9111 today to schedule an appointment!
