Thursday, June 20, 2013
Saturday, July 18, 2009 legtightness asks

Q: I've had poor circulation all of my life, my legs get very heavy. Can the 2 be related?

I've had poor circulation my entire life, although I exercise regularly and eat for good health.  (I'm 43 yoa.)  My legs and arms can fall asleep if there is any pressure on them.  I am often cold, especially my fingers and toes, and people have noted that I have blue lips in cold weather.  However every doctor has stated during my physical exams that I'm in perfect health, and that my blood pressure is normally 120/70, and a pulse of 45-55 bpm.  Recently while jogging, my legs feel extremely heavy, and it becomes difficult to finish the runs at any speed.  It feels like I have never exercised in my life.  Can poor cirulation be causing the tightness while exercising?

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Answers (2)
Lisa Nelson, Health Pro
7/20/09 2:43pm

Hi Legtightness,

 

Yes, symptoms of poor circulation include numbness and tingling of the affected extremity.  If your heart is not circulating blood effectively back to the heart during exercise this may result in the "heavy" legs you're experiencing.  I recommend workign with your physician or consider getting a second opinion to get another physician's point of view.

 

All the best,

Lisa Nelson RD

7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

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8/ 8/09 11:33am

Hi, I'm a teenage female and I have been running for 3 years. I dont know how you define poor circulation or how you test that but i have cold feet and hands and my legs feel heavy, tired... almost a tingly feeling in my legs at rest, as if my blood is pooling in my legs. I have consulted many doctors and have not received an answer that I'm satisfied with yet. A recent diagnosis that made the most sense to me was that I have tight hip flexors from running and weaker hamstrings compared to dominant quads (as most females biologically have). However apart from stretching, I have not found a solution to it. This if very frustrating for me and has plagued me increasingly over time. If you find out anything more about this please let me know.

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By legtightness— Last Modified: 01/26/11, First Published: 07/18/09