Why Do My Legs Feel Heavy? Potential Causes Explored
During daily walking, we may experience the sensation of heavy legs. This is primarily due to excessive fatigue, resulting in muscle strain, which gives us the feeling of heaviness in the legs. This is a normal phenomenon. However, if we suffer from conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, neural compression may also lead to the sensation of heavy legs. If this sensation suddenly appears, it could potentially be caused by an acute onset of a disease.
Firstly, excessive fatigue and repetitive stretching can lead to muscle strain over time, resulting in the symptom of heavy legs. Secondly, if there are issues with the lumbar spine, such as herniation of the lumbar disc, narrowing of the lumbar canal, or lumbar spondylolisthesis, compression of the spinal nerve roots can also cause the sensation of heavy legs. Thirdly, conditions such as piriformis syndrome, neurofibromas, neurofibromas, or neural inflammation can also lead to the symptom of heavy legs.
In clinical practice, there are many reasons that can cause heavy legs. To determine the specific cause, it is necessary to consider the specific symptoms and conduct auxiliary examinations for accurate diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, active and targeted treatment can be initiated.
Firstly, acute onset - cerebrovascular disease: When experiencing weakness in the lower limbs, the first consideration should be whether it affects one limb or both. If there is sudden weakness in one limb without pain, cerebrovascular disease should be ruled out, as it may manifest as hemiplegia. Additionally, cerebrovascular disease can also manifest as weakness in both lower limbs, such as in cases of cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Secondly, lumbar spinal stenosis with accompanying low back and leg pain: Some elderly individuals may experience weakness in their lower limbs accompanied by low back and leg pain, which suggests the possibility of lumbar spine issues. Lumbar spine disease is a common condition in the elderly, often manifesting as a gradual loss of strength while walking. Lumbar spine disease can gradually compress the nerves, leading to numbness and eventually pain in the limbs. It is recommended to undergo hospital examination and engage in appropriate exercise, avoiding massage as it may exacerbate lumbar spine injury.
Thirdly, cervical spinal cord pathology with a "stepping on cotton" sensation: Some elderly individuals may experience weakness in both lower limbs, with a sensation of walking on cotton, feeling unsteady with each step. Prolonged sitting or standing may exacerbate this sensation, leading to a feeling of exhaustion and the potential for collapse. In such cases, attention should be paid to the possibility of cervical spine issues, and a Hoffmann's sign examination should be conducted at the hospital. If there is a sudden inability to move both legs accompanied by difficulty urinating, consideration should be given to acute spinal cord pathology, such as vertebral compression injuring the spinal cord and causing motor nerve dysfunction. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent paralysis.
