Patients often come to us after developing a sensation of heaviness in the legs. In these instances, it may feel like weights are attached to your legs, making it hard to do normal activities such as walking, jogging, or standing for extended periods of time.
This sensation can be uncomfortable or even painful, and often point to vascular disease as a potential underlying cause. Fortunately, medical treatments can be very effective in addressing the issue.
Possible Causes of Leg Heaviness
The sensation of heaviness in the legs is often caused by a vascular condition, meaning an issue with the veins in your body. Specifically, common conditions leading to this symptom include varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), deep venous insufficiency, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Each of these conditions is a type of vascular disease that causes issues such as increased pressure in the veins, pooling of blood in the legs, or decreased blood flow due to plaque buildup in the arteries. These conditions can each occur on their own or simultaneously with another. In most cases, these conditions are treatable and non-life-threatening. However, patients with peripheral artery disease have significantly increased chances of experiencing a stroke or heart attack, so they should seek a specialist’s help.
Symptoms of Leg Heaviness
Leg heaviness is characterized by a notable weighted-down sensation in the legs or feet, which may become more prominent after walking. The legs may also be swollen, numb, in pain, throbbing, or tingling.
This condition may also be accompanied by symptoms commonly seen in individuals suffering from vascular disease, which include the appearance of spider and varicose veins or other skin discoloration. You may feel like you have restless legs or experience difficulty walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
Treatments for Leg Heaviness
The easiest way to treat heaviness in the legs doesn’t even require a visit with a medical professional: exercising and staying active can have great results. Regularly moving your legs and losing weight if necessary can relieve symptoms and improve your body’s overall health.
In some cases, medical intervention may also be necessary. The professionals at Heart of Dixie Vein & Vascular Center can provide you with a medical diagnosis and treatment plan for the heaviness in your legs. If your condition is a result of vascular issues, a procedure may be recommended to improve the blood flow in your legs.
Southern Utah Vein & Vascular Center
If you’re experiencing heaviness in your legs or any of the other symptoms listed above, Heart of Dixie Vein & Vascular can help you find relief. From our clinics in St. George, Cedar City, Kanab, Beaver, and Mesquite, we serve patients from throughout southern Utah and treat a wide variety of vein-related conditions. Our cardiovascular medical team is experienced and compassionate and focuses on providing friendly, personalized care to each one of our patients. Contact us today to learn more or set up an appointment to meet with our staff.
