(866) 552-4866 We have all had those days when our legs feel heavier than usual. For Leslie*, however, that same end-of-day feeling of fatigued legs is more than just the result of a busy work schedule—and it is not uncommon annoyance. Her legs have felt tired, achy, and swollen for months. This is especially true in the evening or after a full day of activity. At first, she ignored the growing pain and fatigue, but now she cannot help but wonder if she is unknowingly doing something to make it worse. After all, even something as routine as the shoes you wear, how you sleep, workout intensity at the gym, or how long you sit or stand can influence your leg health.
Fatigued legs and feet aren't always a cause for concern. And many times, they will resolve on their own with rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition. But what if your habits are working against you? More importantly, what if making a few simple changes doesn't resolve the issue? In those cases, a vascular doctor can help determine whether underlying vein disease and poor circulation are the real issues—and offer advanced treatments to get you back on your feet.
Imagine Overcoming These Signs Associated with Fatigued Legs
- Legs that are difficult to lift and move forward
- Fatigue, stiffness, and lack of mobility
- Unpleasant sensation of pain and heaviness
- Tingling sensations in the feet
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Painful varicose veins
- Open sores that don't heal
Seeking answers for your fatigued legs? Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today to determine if our advanced treatments are right for you.
Is Something You Do Making Fatigued Legs Worse?
Experiencing fatigued legs and feet is nothing new for many of us. Perhaps your legs might feel stuck in slow motion or as if you are walking in quicksand—even when simply walking from the couch to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Often, rest is all that's needed. If that does not help, the next step is to take a hard look at your daily habits. Perhaps one or more activities are exacerbating the situation.
Standing or sitting for too long
Many of us have jobs that naturally force us to stand or sit too much. This includes writers, bookkeepers, receptionists, retail workers, construction workers, and even many restaurant positions. Additionally, we spend a lot of time in our cars and traveling on long flights. These two extremes of staying in one position naturally tire out your legs as the day wears on, making it harder to perform activities when it is time to get up and move around. By the end of the day (especially in the evening), fatigue really sets in. Getting up and moving around throughout the day or taking opportunities to get off your feet for a change and elevate them—even for just 20 minutes—is critical.
Wearing unsupportive footwear
Flip-flops, flat shoes without arch support, shoes that are too tight, and even high heels do not do your legs any favors. This is because none of them is likely to give your feet the cushion and support they need to reduce strain and handle the demands of everyday life. Not wearing socks is also a common culprit of fatigued legs and feet. When choosing socks, consider thick, soft cotton or wool socks for added cushion. Avoid socks with ridges or elastic tops and change your socks daily to have a clean pair.
Poor sleep positions
Believe it or not, but the way you sleep at night may be causing fatigued legs. For instance, sleeping flat on your back or stomach can leave your legs in a position that restricts blood flow—even if they are stretched out. Elevating your legs slightly with a pillow can make a big difference overnight, reducing swelling and preparing your legs for the next day.
Crossing your legs for long periods of time
Another common habit many people have is their desire to cross their legs. This is especially true for women. While comfortable at first, crossing your legs for too long on a car ride, plane flight, in a board meeting, or while working in a coffee shop can restrict blood flow and cause everything from general fatigue in your legs to excess swelling known as edema. If you find yourself crossing your legs too often throughout the day and experience fatigued legs as a result, consider keeping your legs straight and loose more often.
Smoking
Smoking is not good for you and is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This includes a constant feeling of fatigued legs and its direct impact on the formation of varicose veins and other venous diseases and complications.
Not drinking enough water
When dehydrated, your body sends signals to retain the fluid present, resulting in swelling that can cause your legs to feel sluggish, tired, and painful. In contrast, staying hydrated and drinking the recommended eight to 10 glasses of water daily helps your body remove waste and maintain a healthy balance of fluids.
Carrying extra weight
Excess body weight adds constant pressure on your legs, often accelerating fatigue and circulation issues. That is where having a better diet and losing a few extra pounds may help. Even modest weight loss can help alleviate strain and maintain optimal blood circulation, cardiovascular health, and a proper weight. Options include fruits and vegetables, foods high in Vitamin C and E, fish and fish oil, fiber-rich foods, and whole grains.
Overdoing or underdoing exercise
Regular activity, such as cardio or lifting weights at the gym, helps improve circulation. However, these can also be excessively high-impact activities. Running on hard surfaces or insufficient movement altogether can exacerbate fatigued legs. The key is balance—incorporating activities like walking, cycling, or swimming.
Wearing tight clothing
There is a reason why baggy sweatpants, loose tops, and overall comfy clothes are everybody's favorite attire. For starters, it is more comfortable than wearing jeans or a full suit or dress. Not to mention, it helps with circulation and avoiding fatigued legs. Blood flow can be restricted by clothing that's tight in the waist, legs, and upper thighs. The same is true for shoes that are too tight or rigid, such as boots.
You do not have to live with fatigued legs forever. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures that you receive the care you need.
How Fatigued Legs Could Be a Vascular Issue
Habits like standing too long, wearing tight shoes, crossing your legs, or skimping on hydration might seem harmless on the surface. But when combined with underlying vein disease, they accelerate fatigue, swelling, and discomfort. As we age, our veins become more susceptible to weakening and disease. As a result, blood that used to be pumped effortlessly throughout our body moves more sluggishly than before. Plaque from poor lifestyle choices and other unhealthy habits can also accumulate quickly, leading to fluid retention, increased pressure in the veins, swelling, and that ever-present feeling of fatigued legs.
This is why many people notice that their fatigued leg symptoms worsen later in the day or after routine activities like gardening, cooking dinner, or traveling. Your legs may feel tired and sluggish, but the reality is that your veins are struggling to return blood back to the heart. Left unchecked, this can progress into varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, skin changes, and even non-healing sores.
The good news is that today's vein treatments are nothing like the invasive vein stripping procedures of the past. At StrideCare, we offer minimally invasive options that address the source of circulation problems, provide long-term relief from sluggish or fatigued legs, and help restore mobility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLtSfxDF45w
Featured in this video is StrideCare Interventional Radiologist, Dr. S. Michael Humphrey, M.D. He discusses what to expect during a Doppler ultrasound, one of the most common, quick, non-invasive, and efficient diagnostic tests that determine the health of veins and arteries. Based on your Doppler exam, one of our board-certified vascular specialists will be able to tell if treatment is necessary
Got Fatigued Legs? StrideCare Can Help
Sometimes, changing your habits will not completely prevent or ease fatigued legs and feet. If you are making lifestyle changes but not seeing results, consider visiting our team at StrideCare. Our doctors stay on the cutting edge of medicine, helping patients avoid traditionally long, invasive surgeries used in the past to treat vascular disease. They diagnose and treat using innovative, minimally invasive procedures with little to no pain, short recovery times and high success rates,
StrideCare's mission is to surround ourselves with the best in this field so that our patients are never short of options for reclaiming their lives. StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions. That includes our ability to perform leading-edge procedures to treat artery and vein disease and symptoms that, while minor in their earliest stages, can eventually lead to more serious and life-interrupting issues. The experts at StrideCare will recommend a personalized plan to help you achieve the best results.
Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. StrideCare continues to be a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat these and other conditions—all the while providing compassionate patient care.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, and more.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.