Heavy Feeling Legs:
Causes & How to Relieve Heavy Legs

Are you feeling like your legs are carrying extra weight? When your legs feel heavy, every step can feel like a chore. While this condition is not uncommon, you might be wondering “Why do my legs feel heavy?”. 

In this article we delve into the world of heavy legs, what are the common causes of this condition, and what you can do to relieve this feeling with at home treatments or professional procedures. 

Common Symptoms of Heavy Legs

Blood Pooling in Legs – Common Causes of Venous Reflux

If you are suffering from heaviness in legs, then you have most likely experienced the following symptoms:

  • Aching
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Tiredness
  • Leg cramping
  • Bumps, sores, or skin discoloration
If this sounds like what you are experiencing, keep reading for some common causes of heavy legs. 

Why Do My Legs Feel Heavy?

Now that you know the symptoms, let’s take a look at the main causes of heavy legs.

Poor Blood Circulation

Poor circulation is generally the leading cause of heavy legs. Circulation issues are commonly found in the lower extremities. This is because of gravity. Your body must work against gravity to circulate blood back to your heart. If you have poor circulation, your blood may start to pool and gather in your legs, causing them to feel heavy.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large, bumpy veins that appear near the surface of your skin. Enlarged veins lose elasticity and valve strength, which means that your blood won’t circulate as it should. This occurrence can cause your legs to feel tired and heavy. Varicose veins typically appear with age, pregnancy, obesity, or if they are common in your family.

Restless Leg Syndrome

That uncomfortable feeling in your legs could be causing your heavy leg symptoms. Restless leg syndrome can be triggered by many risks such as smoking and drinking, or if you take brain chemical-altering medications.

How To Get Relief for Heavy Legs at Home

compression stockings

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are a type of hosiery that are designed to provide a gentle, yet firm, pressure to the legs. This pressure can help improve blood flow and circulation, which can reduce swelling, fatigue, and a heavy feeling in the legs.

 

Compression stockings are commonly used by people who spend long periods of time standing or sitting, as well as those who suffer from conditions such as varicose veins or lymphedema.

 

By wearing compression stockings regularly, individuals can experience increased comfort and mobility in their legs, and may even be able to prevent or delay the onset of certain health problems.

Implementing a Healthy Lifestyle

The best way to get long-term relief from heavy legs is with healthy lifestyle choices. Smoking, obesity, an unhealthy diet, and other issues like low activity levels can cause your legs to feel heavy. Losing weight if you need to, elevating your legs, quitting tobacco, and eating healthy all contribute to heavy leg relief.

How To Treat Vein Issues

If your heavy legs are hindering your daily activities, it’s best to get your veins checked. Gilvydis Vein Clinic has performed over 24,000 successful vein treatments that have given patients a new outlook on life.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy vein treatment
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to treat varicose and spider veins. This outpatient treatment involves a solution called sclerosant which is injected into an unhealthy vein. The solution then closes off the vein, shrinks it, and encourages blood to reroute into healthy veins.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

laser vein treatment
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic issue. Like Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) uses a laser catheter to close off and shrink varicose veins. The blood is then redirected into healthy veins without the need for invasive treatment.

Treat Your Heavy Legs at Gilvydis Vein Clinic

There’s no need to feel down about your heavy legs when Gilvydis Vein Clinic is a call away. Gilvydis is the leader in superior Illinois vein care. Our vein specialists and staff members offer the personalized care you need and deserve to achieve your best possible outcome. Get started with a consultation today. 

 

Call (815) 827-1098 or request an appointment at a location near you.

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Over 24,000 Successful Vein Treatments
& Counting

We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.

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Book Your Appointment Today

Get back to yourself.

We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.

Book Your Appointment Today