Causes for Tired and Aching Legs: Find Relief & Treatment

12 Sep, 2024

Causes for Tired and Aching Legs: Find Relief & Treatment

We've all been there: after a long day of standing, walking, or running around, your legs feel heavy, tired, and sore. While occasional leg discomfort is normal, especially after a particularly busy day, chronic or persistent leg pain should raise some concerns.

If you find yourself constantly dealing with tired, aching legs, then it might be time to dig a little deeper into what’s causing the problem – and even more importantly, how to fix it. In this brief article brought to you by Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists, we help out. If you’d rather consult with a licensed foot doctor directly, then give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Common causes of tired and aching legs

Aches and pains in your legs can stem from a variety of reasons, and it’s important to understand what might be triggering your discomfort. Let’s look at 5 common causes:

Overuse and Fatigue: Standing for long periods without proper rest or support puts extra strain on your legs, leading to tiredness by the end of the day.
Poor Circulation: When blood flow is restricted, it can cause discomfort and swelling. Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or chronic venous insufficiency can contribute to poor circulation.
Muscle Cramps: Leg cramps, often referred to as "charley horses," can strike out of nowhere, causing sharp, painful muscle contractions. These cramps can be caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or simply overworking your muscles.
Foot and Ankle Problems: Conditions like flat feet, overpronation, or wearing shoes that don’t provide proper support can lead to misalignment and put extra pressure on your legs.
Varicose Veins: These twisted, enlarged veins can cause aching, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. They develop when the valves in the veins don’t work properly.

Managing tired and aching legs

These simple lifestyle changes and self-care tips can go a long way in keeping your legs feeling fresh:

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If you’re on your feet all day, take regular breaks to sit down and rest your legs. When you’re sitting, try to elevate your legs to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Drinking enough water throughout the day can help prevent muscle cramps and keep your muscles functioning properly.
Make sure you’re wearing shoes that provide proper support, especially if you spend long hours standing or walking. Arch support, cushioning, and a good fit are key.
Compression stockings can provide gentle pressure that encourages blood to flow upward, preventing pooling in the legs.
Stretching your calf muscles, hamstrings, and quadriceps can help reduce discomfort after a long day of standing or walking.

When to see a podiatrist

While managing leg discomfort at home can help relieve occasional tiredness, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help from a licensed podiatrist.

A podiatrist is essentially a foot specialist, or a doctor who specializes in the feet and ankles. Not only can they accurately diagnose your particular condition but they can also custom tailor a treatment plan for your case.

If your leg discomfort doesn’t go away with rest or comes back frequently, or if you feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, then it’s always advisable to visit a podiatrist.

Residents in the area are welcomed to visit Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists for professional foot care and treatment.