Are Your Heavy, Achy Legs Normal? Here’s What to Know

When you come home after a long day of work or a vigorous workout session, you might expect your legs to feel tired and even a bit heavy. However, if you find yourself experiencing tired, stiff, and weighed down legs for no reason, you might be struggling with a condition of your veins.

The good news is that most of these conditions are treatable so that you won’t have to continue living with these uncomfortable symptoms. Dr. Naar and our care team at Premier Vein Clinic in Westlake, Ohio, can get to the bottom of your heavy, achy legs.

Here’s the essential information you need to know about three common conditions that may affect your legs and when you need to schedule a consultation.

Restless Legs Syndrome

People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) often describe a powerful urge to move their legs, along with unpleasant sensations that cover the lower leg. Symptoms are usually strongest when relaxing or trying to sleep, which can be a serious concern that affects quality of life. RLS might even wake you up at night or make activities like sitting in a long meeting challenging.

The cause of RLS isn’t known, but experts believe there may be a connection between the condition and low levels of iron in the brain.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens from a buildup of plaque on the walls of blood vessels. Too much plaque can narrow the vessels, limiting the space blood has to flow and slowing down the delivery of oxygen to your feet and legs.

It’s estimated that PAD affects millions of people in the United States alone, but many don’t even know what it is or that they have it. If you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk for PAD, and it can lead to other conditions of your lower legs and feet. Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, and a cold sensation as well as pain in your thigh or calf after walking.

Varicose Veins

Do you have thick, bumpy, knotted veins in your legs or feet? These are known as varicose veins and can leave you with a sensation of heaviness and stiffness in your legs. If the veins in your lower legs lose their elasticity or valves becomes weak, some of the blood flows backwards and pools in the vessels of the legs instead of circulating back to your heart. Varicose veins develop during pregnancy, as you age, and with obesity.  

Is it Time for an Appointment?

If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for a while or they’re bothersome, come in to see Dr. Naar, a physician who specializes in disorders of the veins. He gathers a thorough medical history from you so that he understands your symptoms and any risk factors that place you at a higher than average risk. Depending on what he uncovers, you may need additional testing performed to confirm a diagnosis.

If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, give our office a call today or request an appointment online to find a remedy for your achy, tired legs.

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