Do your legs ever feel heavy what could this be?!


Question: I am older, and I have some health problems, but if I sit for a hour or more when I get up I ache from my waist down and feel like everything is stiff, and hurts. Once I get going I am ok and feel pretty good. However, going up stairs poses a problem as my legs begin to feel very heavy like they are weighted down. I have been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure (both of which are currently doing quite well with medications). But the leg heaviness and shrotness of breath have me worried. I know if I squatted to get something I would have to have something to lean on to pull myself up. I walk several miles a week and work in the garden etc. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can increase my leg strength and ability to bend down? I know I am overweight, but it is difficult to exercise when you have difficulty breathing. I do eat properly but don't lose weight. Thanks for any advice you can give me.


Answers: I am older, and I have some health problems, but if I sit for a hour or more when I get up I ache from my waist down and feel like everything is stiff, and hurts. Once I get going I am ok and feel pretty good. However, going up stairs poses a problem as my legs begin to feel very heavy like they are weighted down. I have been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure (both of which are currently doing quite well with medications). But the leg heaviness and shrotness of breath have me worried. I know if I squatted to get something I would have to have something to lean on to pull myself up. I walk several miles a week and work in the garden etc. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can increase my leg strength and ability to bend down? I know I am overweight, but it is difficult to exercise when you have difficulty breathing. I do eat properly but don't lose weight. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Have you had your thyroid checked lately?

I also have CM and CHF ( 11 yrs so far)but it's usually my thyroid meds that need adjusting when my leg feel heavy.

I also can't get up from a squatting/kneeling postion without help but that's due to broken cartiledge(sp?) in the knees and they do swell sometimes. Wearing a knee brace helps some.

Could the increased shortness of breath be due to the cold air? I'm also having more trouble in that area and I've noticed that it gets worse when I go outside or even open the door for a min. Hope you'll be seeing your Dr. soon!

I tried eating a "healthy diet" too and just couldn't loose weight in fact I was gaining. Then last year I was dx'ed with diabeties and went on a low carb diet. Have lost 60Lbs so far and controlled my diabeties through diet alone, so far.

Best wishes, getnold

Well, to lose some weight try taking smaller portions of healthy food. For your leg strength, drink lots of milk (fat-free if you want to be slimmer) and that will help the bones be stronger, and also at the ymca if you have one close to you, in the mornings they usually have a class called body-pump, that not only will strengthen your legs but other parts of your body. If you are unable to do that you should do squats in you home. I truly hope you feel better and have a merry merry christmas!!! =D

You need to: 1. lose weight by swimming, or riding stationery bicycle, put no weight on your legs. 2. Drink green tea, or, coffee to get rid of excessive water in your body. 3. Eat less fat good, more fruits, vegetables, fish. 4.Ask the doctor to order a blood test to check your thyroid condition - hypo? since your legs are so heavy. 5. Press your lower leg, or top of your foot, see if your muscle will bounce back. If you see a concave mark, you have heart condition (I know you have heart problem- this means, the heart condition is not under controlled). 6. Walking is good for your condition. 7. Reduce
sugar, and salt intake! Sugar will induce the diabetes, and the salt will damage your kidney - that is also a source which will make your leggs swelling,and very heavy. Good Luck!





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories