You may think your tired, heavy, aching legs are just a result of an intense workout or long period of standing. However, prolonged symptoms can be indicative of more severe conditions that need attention.
Explaining the Sensations of Tired, Heavy, Aching Legs
If you’re experiencing a vein-related condition, that tired, heavy, aching leg sensation you’re feeling is most likely caused by precise mechanisms. These mechanisms include blood pooling in your lower legs and feet, increased vein pressure, swelling in the vein walls and surrounding tissue, and even less oxygen reaching your leg tissue.
Conditions That Can Cause Tired, Heavy, Aching Legs
Several conditions can cause symptoms like tired, heavy, aching legs, including overexertion, dehydration, pregnancy, and nerve damage or neuropathy. Even age-related wear and tear, a sedentary lifestyle, or wearing high heels can contribute to these symptoms.
5 Vein-Related Causes of Tired, Heavy, Aching Legs
Your veins perform several crucial functions in your body. While arteries bring oxygenated blood to your legs, veins take the blood back to the heart for a fresh round. Veins also remove carbon dioxide and lactic acid, help regulate your body temperature, and ensure that your blood flows just one way. As a result, if they fail to work correctly, your body reacts accordingly with symptoms like tired, heavy, and aching legs.
- Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins (that aren’t always visible) occur when the valves inside the veins weaken and blood pools in your legs.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A severe condition where a blood clot forms in the deep vein of the leg. DVT requires immediate medical attention.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): A condition that occurs when the veins in your legs can’t pump the blood back to the heart efficiently.
- Spider Veins: Small damaged veins that appear on the surface of your legs.
- Venous Ulcers: Poor circulation can lead to these ulcers that usually occur around the ankles.
Let’s Find Out What’s Causing Your Tired, Heavy, Aching Legs
Tired, heavy, and aching legs can be exhausting and keep you from doing the things you love the most. The Trident Vein Center in Spring Hill, TN, can evaluate and treat your tired, heavy, aching legs. Call 615-455-3000 or contact us here to get started.