Why do my legs hurt and feel heavy?

The symptoms of tired legs They appear more frequently and intensely in times of heat and when atmospheric pressure is low.

The feeling of heavy legs often it does not imply the existence of a specific or important pathology, but on occasions it can be due to a condition of the veins of the lower extremities known as chronic venous insufficiency and which must be correctly evaluated and diagnosed by the doctor.

Chronic venous insufficiency causes the veins in the legs to present some difficulty in sending blood back from the legs to the heart in an efficient way, and facilitates the accumulation of fluids or blood in the lower areas of the legs, giving the sensation known as heavy legs.

Why do my legs hurt?

The main cause of chronic venous insufficiency can be a problem with the deep veins of the lower extremities.

These veins have valves that prevent the blood that travels to the heart from "going back", towards the lower areas of the legs, thus facilitating the blood to go "up"; in this way, when the valves of the leg veins are working properly, the blood flows from the legs to the heart without accumulating, but in people in whom the valves of the veins are damaged or insufficient, the blood tends to accumulate inside the veins (), as well as in the surrounding tissue, which remains filled with fluid (swollen legs).

Some risk factors that can be a cause or effect of chronic venous insufficiency are genetic factors, female gender (may be related to the levels of some hormones), age, obesity, pregnancy, sitting or standing during long periods of time or having a history of.

What symptoms does it produce?

The most frequent symptoms are usually a more or less intense pain in the legs (especially in the lower parts), a feeling of heaviness or cramps in the lower extremities, tingling and itching.

In some cases, a swelling of the area can also be observed, with the lower part of the leg presenting an increase in its diameter and volume, even with the skin in the area as “tight” and “shiny”. If the area immediately above the ankle is pressed with great care with a finger, the mark left by the pressure (fovea) can be observed for a few minutes, because with the pressure exerted with the finger we "deflate" the skin from that area.

Can it be treated?

pain and swelling usually worse when standing and better when sitting or stretched out with the legs in a horizontal position.

To help alleviate heavy leg symptoms necessary avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, especially in hot weather, as well as exercising the legs (walking or light exercise) to help pump fluids from the legs back to the heart thanks to the action of the leg muscles.

The use of compression stockings ("rest" stockings) to reduce swelling in the affected area and improve the functionality of the venous system in the legs.

It is highly recommended avoid wearing tight clothing around the thighs to help lower vein function.

In some cases it may be necessary to administer medications to improve blood circulation in the lower extremities.

Attention to wounds

It is also advisable to be very careful with wounds or infections that occur in the lower extremities in people with chronic venous insufficiency, since this will make it difficult to heal them.

• Many times it is due to… chronic venous insufficiency (difficulty of the veins in the legs to send blood to the heart efficiently).
• It manifests as… pain, heaviness, cramps, and sometimes lower leg swelling.
• It is advised: change your posture, exercise your legs, wear compression stockings and avoid tight clothing.

Remember that inMAPFRE We take care of your well-being and that of yours, that is why we offer you one with the best coverage so that you are always protected against any pathology or disease.

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Dra. Elisabeth Herrero i Vila