When should I worry about achy legs?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:

A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason.

What are aching legs a symptom of?

Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.

Is it normal for your legs to ache all the time?

But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Chronic leg pain is a primary symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common and treatable condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs and can threaten your heart.

Why do I have heavy aching legs?

The main cause of heavy legs is generally poor blood circulation. Blood circulation problems generally occur in the lower part of your body, especially your legs. This is because the lower section of your body needs to fight against gravity to transfer the blood back up to your heart.

What is vascular leg pain like?

Vascular pain often feels like an uncomfortable heaviness or throbbing sensation. It can also feel like an aching sensation. It usually affects your legs and can be worse with walking or exerting yourself.

11 Causes of Achy Legs

What kind of doctor should I see for leg pain?

Most cases of leg pain go away either on their own or with self-care measures. However, there are cases that warrant a visit to an orthopedist for prompt intervention. An orthopedist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect the bones and soft tissues.

What are you lacking if your legs ache?

Potassium. Potassium helps maintain normal cell function in the body, particularly in the nerves and muscles. It is relatively common for people to have a potassium deficiency. However, if a person has a severe deficiency , they may experience symptoms such as leg cramps.

Why am I so tired and my legs ache?

Poor Circulation

Diabetes and smoking are two leading causes of poor blood circulation. If you are experiencing tired, achy legs and you smoke or are diabetic, it could be due to the blocked arteries that supply blood to your leg muscles. This is the first indication of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Can dehydration cause leg pain?

You may particularly experience leg cramps in your calf muscles and thigh muscles. You may also have involuntary contractions like muscle spasms. Dehydration also decreases blood volume. That means your muscles and organs have less blood flow, resulting in cramps and spasms.

What are usually the first signs of fibromyalgia?

What does a blocked artery in leg feel like?

Claudication is a symptom of a narrowing or blockage of an artery. Typical symptoms of claudication include: Pain, a burning feeling, or a tired feeling in the legs and buttocks when you walk. Shiny, hairless, blotchy foot skin that may get sores.

Can low vitamin D cause aching legs?

Humans with vitamin D deficiency exhibit muscle pain in muscles at multiple locations. However, the strongest association between vitamin D deficiency and pain is reported to occur in leg muscles (Heidari et al., 2010).

What foods cause leg aches?

Heavily processed foods that include lots of sugar and/or trans fats (including cookies, donuts, and margarine) Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and other members of the nightshade family. Caffeinated foods and drinks. White bread or other highly-processed carbs.

What are the signs you need vitamin D?

Is pain in left leg related to heart?

Leg Pain Can Indicate Risk for a Heart Attack or Stroke

Peripheral artery disease that causes leg pain can be indicative of heart issues. People that have PAD are at a higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack. This could be a sign that the coronary arteries are blocked and the blood flow is reduced.

How do you diagnose leg problems?

To diagnose leg problems, doctors typically perform a physical exam to check if there is any deformity, swelling, inflammation, or tenderness. The doctor may also check for sensation and reflexes. If necessary, the patient undergoes an imaging exam, which provides a more detailed report on the condition of the legs.

How do I know if my leg pain is poor circulation?

How do you check blood circulation in legs at home?

The Pillow Test

The test: Gather a few pillows or cushions and use them to prop up both legs so they're at a 45-degree angle while you lie on your back. As you're resting, notice if your legs become paler or retain their original color throughout the span of a minute.

How do I know if my leg pain is vascular or muscular?

How do you check circulation in your legs?

Arterial Doppler Ultrasound

A Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images that highlight blood flow in the leg arteries. This test detects and evaluates any blockages caused by plaque buildup.

How do you check for blockages in your legs?

Ultrasound of the legs or feet.

This test uses sound waves to see how blood moves through the blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound used to spot blocked or narrowed arteries.

How do you check arteries in legs?

Catheter-based angiography lets providers see inside the arteries of your legs. A doctor inserts a catheter, or tube, into an artery in your groin and guides it to the affected area.

What does fibromyalgia feel like in legs?

What does fibromyalgia leg pain feel like? If you're suffering from fibromyalgia leg pain, you may experience throbbing, shooting, achy, or burning sensations in your legs. Often, you'll feel the pain at your fibro tender points, particularly inside of each knee and on the hip just behind your hipbone.