Do you have leg fatigue? Do you know why?
Are you suffering from a tired, heavy feeling in your lower legs? Do your symptoms tend to feel worse after sitting or standing for long periods of time and accompanied by leg pain, cramping and/or swelling?
Your leg fatigue could be due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Swelling in the legs indicates that fluid has accumulated between the cells of the soft tissues, making the leg feel heavy and tired. The pooling of low-oxygen blood that’s high in lactic acid is also to blame for leg fatigue. Without nutrient-rich blood, the muscles in the affected area become tired more easily.
Venous insufficiency and leg fatigue
Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when there is improper circulation and blood doesn’t correctly pump back up the legs to the heart. Certain muscles in the calf and leg support healthy blood flow. When individuals sit or stand for extended lengths of time, these leg muscles are inactive. Symptoms include leg fatigue, ankle swelling and aching legs. Tired, swollen legs caused by vein disease could be due to blood leaking backward and retaining in the tissue of the lower legs. Chronic Venous Insufficiency can potentially lead to more serious conditions including skin changes (itchiness, color and texture), skin ulcers, and infections. Fatigued legs are common amongst those with CVI. It’s important to see a physician if you are experiencing leg fatigue or any of the other symptoms involved in venous insufficiency.
Who is at risk?
Women over the age of 50 are most at risk for developing CVI, as are individuals who spend majority of their time on their feet, like EMS workers, food service employees, teachers and retailers. High blood pressure, obesity, a highly sedentary lifestyle, and family history of CVI are also contributing factors. The symptoms of CVI tend to feel worse after sitting or standing for long periods of time. Pregnancy is also a risk factor due to the extra weight adding strain on the legs and ankles. It is important to have a healthy regimen while pregnant to assist with blood flow. Leg health during pregnancy is imperative; it’s estimated that 2 in every 5 women will develop varicose veins during pregnancy.
What you can do
For fast relief of fatigued legs, individuals can lie down and elevate their legs for 15 to 30 minutes, several times a day to help drain pooling blood and alleviate pressure. Walk regularly and avoid standing or sitting for extended periods of time. Take time to stretch your legs, allowing circulation. Compression stockings may also be worn to encourage proper blood flow and prevent pooling, but ultimately, the underlying CVI must be addressed.
Be light on your feet!
If you believe you may be experiencing leg fatigue related to CVI, call Alpha Vein Clinic today and schedule a consultation to learn more about the best treatment options for you. Our physician, Dr. Sassan Kaveh, will do a thorough evaluation to determine if your leg fatigue is in fact due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Alpha Vein Clinic offers the latest in minimally invasive vein treatments including Radiofrequency Ablation and, the newest procedure, ClariVein. Come visit Dr Sassan Kaveh and the caring staff at Alpha Vein Clinic in Las Vegas and you can be on your way to light, healthy legs sooner than you can imagine!
Alpha Vein Clinic
Vein Clinic Las Vegas
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh