Tired and achy legs are usually not a cause for concern. However, people experiencing these symptoms who are also at risk for certain health conditions like heart disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD) may be worried that painful legs could be a sign of something more serious. Symptoms from PAD can significantly impact well-being, making it more challenging to complete simple tasks.
Let’s uncover the common causes of tired legs and leg aches so that you can determine when to consult a vascular specialist.
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Leg Aches and PAD
Aching legs and fatigue in the legs are common symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. This plaque buildup narrows the arteries, restricting the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the lower extremities. The result is leg pain and cramping.
Tired and achy legs aren’t the only symptoms of PAD. Other symptoms to be mindful of include:
- Foot or Leg Pain: Persistent pain in the feet or legs, especially at night or when lying down, may indicate severe PAD.
- Non-Healing Wounds on Feet or Legs: Poor blood flow can impair the healing of cuts or sores, leading to chronic wounds or ulcers.
- Leg Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness: Reduced blood flow can cause nerves in the legs to function improperly, resulting in numbness, tingling, or a feeling of weakness.
- Muscle Cramping in Hips, Thighs, or Calves: These cramps can occur during activities like walking or climbing stairs due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles.
- Skin Discoloration: Poor circulation may cause the skin on your legs or feet to appear pale, bluish, or reddish.
- Poor Circulation: Signs of poor circulation include coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared to the other leg.
- Shiny Skin: The skin on your legs may have a smooth, shiny appearance, indicating a lack of nourishment and oxygen.
- Unhealthy Toenails: Slow-growing, brittle, or thickened toenails can also be a sign of PAD.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist. A vascular specialist will run a series of tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with PAD, they can develop a personalized treatment plan for you and provide care accordingly.
Other Causes of Tired, Achy Legs
PAD isn’t the only cause of fatigue or muscle aches in the legs. Other common causes include:
Sitting or Standing for Long Periods
You should avoid standing or sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time. This can cause mild pain or swelling in the legs. If you are experiencing tired, achy legs while sitting or standing, this could be a sign of another condition called vein disease. Vein disease is not life-threatening; however, it can cause complications if left untreated.
Muscle Cramps
Muscle aches are common after moderate or intense exercises. This is normal and should go away within a few days after exercising. Applying ice to the affected areas for 20 minutes at a time can provide temporary relief from the pain.
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).
Deep Vein Thrombosis
When a blood clot forms in one of your deep veins, it can cause the legs to feel tired and achy. This is a serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT most commonly occurs in the legs, although it can affect the pelvis or arms. Skin discoloration, swelling, and warmth around the area are also common symptoms associated with DVT.
DVT can lead to a complication called a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening emergency. This happens if part of the blood clot detaches and gets stuck in the lungs. If you believe you may have a blood clot, you should seek emergency care immediately.
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When to Consult a Vascular Specialist
Many people experience temporary leg aches and tired legs. However, you’ll want to consider scheduling a consultation with a vascular specialist if:
- Pain is persistent and doesn’t go away with lifestyle adjustments
- You have one or more PAD symptoms or risk factors
- Symptoms get worse when you walk or exercise
- You have trouble with mobility
These are all warning signs that the fatigue and muscle aches in the legs might be symptoms of a more serious vascular condition and may require medical intervention.
How to Treat Aching Legs Caused by PAD
PAD is a serious vascular condition that cannot be reversed. To alleviate the leg pain associated with PAD, you should schedule a consultation with a vascular doctor to discuss different treatment options. USA Vascular Centers can help you reduce these painful symptoms with minimally invasive treatments, such as:
- Angioplasty: A balloon is inserted into the affected artery to expand and compress the plaque against the artery wall.
- Stent placement: After an angioplasty is performed, a permanent stent is placed into the blocked artery.
- Atherectomy: A blade or laser is used to physically remove plaque from the artery walls.
Schedule a Consultation With USA Vascular Centers
If aching legs and muscle pain impact your daily activities and quality of life, contact us today. Our vascular doctors are here to help you build a custom treatment plan based on the severity of your condition, offering recommendations and treatment options. With our help, you can regain mobility and get in control of your overall health.
Give us a call at 888.773.2193 or schedule an online consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my legs aching and tired?
Achy legs can be caused by sitting too long or muscle cramps after an intense workout. Potential causes include nerve disorders like sciatica, arthritis, or even lifestyle factors such as wearing unsupportive footwear. If the aches and pain are persistent, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem. Schedule a consultation with a vascular doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
What causes leg aches and fatigue?
Leg aches and fatigue can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the legs, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in the legs, and poor circulation often linked to diabetes or obesity. Other common causes include muscle cramps from dehydration or overexertion, varicose veins leading to pooling blood, nerve disorders like sciatica or neuropathy, arthritis, and lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting or standing, or wearing unsupportive footwear.
What causes tiredness in the legs?
Leg tiredness is commonly caused by muscle fatigue or poor circulation. However, it can also be a symptom of a more serious vascular condition, like PAD, DVT, or chronic venous insufficiency.
How to treat aching legs?
To treat aching legs, you first need to know the cause of the pain. If it’s caused by intense exercise, you’ll want to rest your legs and apply ice when necessary. If that’s not the case, you may want to talk to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If your leg pain is caused by a more serious vascular disease, consider scheduling a consultation with a vascular specialist to discuss treatment options.
How to relieve tired legs and feet?
Rest your legs and elevate when possible. Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods. If issues persist, you may want to consult a medical professional to check for an underlying condition. If the cause is PAD, a vascular doctor can provide treatment.
