Heavy legs: Dr Gérald Kierzek reveals the emergency sign that should not be ignored for your venous health
In the evening, do your legs swell and cause you excruciating pain? This frequent phenomenon, often linked to poor venous circulation, is generally not serious. However, when it becomes regular or is accompanied by other symptoms, it can reveal an underlying disorder. It is therefore better to know the signs that should alert you.
What are heavy legs?
Heavy legs often manifest themselves as a feeling of heaviness, fatigue and sometimes even pain in the lower limbs. And for good reason: this symptom is frequently associated with circulatory disorders (venous or lymphatic circulation disorders).
“Heavy legs are most often a sign of venous insufficiency”, confirms Dr Gérald Kierzek. “The blood circulates poorly and stagnates in the lower limbs instead of rising efficiently to the heart. he continues.
But other factors can also be at the origin of this disorder:
- Prolonged immobility: standing or sitting for a long time without moving prevents the “pump” of the calf muscles from working;
- Heat: it dilates the veins and slows circulation;
- Heredity, age and sex: women are more frequently affected, often under the influence of hormonal variations (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, etc.).
A hormonal imbalance or the taking of certain medications (such as corticosteroids, antihypertensives, neuroleptic treatments and hormonal treatments) can also be responsible for this water retention.
“Finally, excess weight, little sport, wearing clothes that are too tight or unsuitable shoes (heels that are too high or flat) increase the pressure on the venous network,” further specifies the medical director of True Medical.
Other ideas to keep in mind
If heavy legs are very common (and, in the vast majority of cases, linked to poor venous circulation without seriousness), certain associated symptoms should alert you, because they can reveal an underlying disorder requiring treatment:
- Restless legs syndrome: this neurological disorder, characterized by an irrepressible urge to move the legs, often appears in the evening or at rest. It is frequently accompanied by unpleasant sensations (tingling, tingling, restlessness) which disrupt falling asleep;
- Heart or kidney problems: a feeling of heavy legs associated with swelling in both legs (edema), unusual fatigue or shortness of breath can indicate a heart or kidney problem. Medical advice is then recommended;
- A phlebitis (venous thrombosis) : this is the emergency not to be missed.
“If the heaviness is accompanied by localized pain, sudden swelling of a single leg, redness or a feeling of intense heat in the area concerned, you should consult a doctor quickly,” concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.