Why Is My Leg Swelling and Fatigued?

Are your legs swelling by the end of the day? Do they feel heavy, achy, or worn out—even when you haven’t done anything strenuous? If so, you’re not alone—and these symptoms could be your body’s way of signaling that something deeper is going on.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we help patients uncover and treat the root causes of leg fatigue and swelling. Whether it’s related to vein disease, circulation problems, or inflammation, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms. In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common reasons your legs may be swelling and feeling tired—and what you can do to find lasting relief.

Common Symptoms That Accompany Swollen, Fatigued Legs

Leg swelling (also called edema) and fatigue can show up in different ways, including:

• Puffy ankles and calves
• A heavy or dragging sensation in your legs
• Visible veins or skin discoloration
• Cramping or aching by evening
• Tightness when wearing socks or shoes
• Restlessness or throbbing at night

These symptoms often worsen throughout the day and improve after elevating your legs or sleeping.

1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): The #1 Cause of Swelling and Leg Fatigue

One of the most common—and underdiagnosed—causes of leg swelling and fatigue is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This occurs when the valves in your leg veins become weak or damaged, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the lower legs.

What Happens:

• Blood can’t efficiently return to the heart.
• Pressure builds in the veins.
• Fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, causing swelling.
• You experience heaviness, aching, and visible veins.

Who’s at Risk:

• People who stand or sit for long periods
• Women during or after pregnancy
• Those with a family history of vein disease
• Anyone over age 40
• People with obesity or a sedentary lifestyle

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2. Varicose Veins and Venous Reflux

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue—they’re often a sign of venous reflux, where blood flows in the wrong direction due to faulty valves. This causes:

• Increased pressure in the legs
• Swelling around the ankles and calves
• Throbbing or burning sensations
• Nighttime leg cramps
• Restless legs or itching skin

Even if you don’t see visible veins, you may still have underlying vein dysfunction. A venous ultrasound can help diagnose the issue early—before complications arise.

3. Lymphatic Congestion

Your lymphatic system helps remove excess fluid, waste, and toxins from tissues. When this system is sluggish or blocked, fluid builds up—especially in the legs and feet.

Signs of Lymphatic Swelling:

• Swelling that worsens throughout the day
• A spongy or “tight” feeling in the legs
• Heaviness, especially in the lower legs
• Fatigue or fogginess
• History of surgery, trauma, or chronic inflammation

What Helps:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy
• Red light therapy
• Gentle movement like walking, yoga, or rebounding
• Hydration and anti-inflammatory nutrition

4. Inflammation or Fluid Retention

General inflammation in the body—caused by diet, stress, or chronic illness—can lead to fluid retention and leg fatigue. You may notice:

• Puffy, bloated legs
• Swelling in both legs equally
• A feeling of “fullness” or tightness
• Fatigue, brain fog, or joint stiffness

Common Causes:

• High-sodium diet
• Processed foods
• Hormonal changes (menopause, PMS, pregnancy)
• Liver, kidney, or heart function concerns
• Medications (like calcium channel blockers or NSAIDs)

5. Sedentary Lifestyle or Prolonged Standing

Your leg muscles play a vital role in pumping blood back to your heart. When you’re inactive—or stand in one place for long periods—blood can pool in the legs, causing:

• Swelling by the afternoon or evening
• Heaviness and aching
• Visible veins or redness
• Stiffness when transitioning from sitting to standing

Solutions:

• Walk every 30–60 minutes during sedentary tasks
• Elevate your legs above heart level for 15 minutes twice daily
• Try ankle pumps or calf stretches
• Wear graduated compression stockings to improve circulation

6. Nutrient Deficiencies

Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to fatigue, fluid imbalance, and poor circulation.

Deficiencies to Watch:

• Magnesium – muscle fatigue, cramping, restless legs
• Potassium – fluid retention and bloating
• Vitamin D – linked to muscle pain and weakness
• B Vitamins – essential for blood flow and nerve health
• Iron – low iron levels can cause heaviness and fatigue

Consider comprehensive bloodwork to identify deficiencies and guide supplementation.

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7. Cardiovascular or Kidney Conditions

In some cases, leg swelling may be linked to underlying medical conditions such as:

• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney dysfunction
• Liver disease
• Blood clots (DVT)

These issues often come with additional symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or one-sided swelling. If your swelling comes on suddenly, is painful, or is accompanied by redness or warmth, seek immediate medical attention.

How We Diagnose the Cause of Your Leg Symptoms

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we offer advanced diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of your leg swelling and fatigue.

In-Office Testing May Include:

• Venous duplex ultrasound to assess vein function
• Lymphatic evaluation to check fluid drainage
• Circulatory assessment to evaluate arterial health
• Comprehensive lab work to check for inflammation and nutrient imbalances

Once we know what’s driving your symptoms, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Leg Swelling and Fatigue

Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend:

✔️ Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

Closes faulty veins with laser energy and reroutes blood through healthier vessels.

✔️ Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

Injects a safe solution into malfunctioning veins to collapse them and relieve symptoms.

✔️ Graduated Compression Stockings

Improves circulation and reduces swelling with medical-grade pressure.

✔️ Red Light + PEMF Therapy

Enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and stimulates tissue repair.

✔️ Lifestyle + Nutrition Counseling

We address underlying inflammation, fluid balance, and circulation through diet and movement.

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Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Swollen, Fatigued Legs

If your legs feel swollen and tired every day, it’s not just about aging or being on your feet—it’s a signal that your circulatory or lymphatic system may be struggling. The earlier you catch the problem, the easier it is to treat—and the sooner you’ll get back to feeling like yourself again.

Ready to Find Relief from Leg Swelling and Fatigue?

Let our expert team at Sheen Vein & Cosmetics help you get to the bottom of your symptoms. Schedule your vein and circulation evaluation today and discover non-surgical solutions for lighter, more energized legs.

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