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What Causes Heaviness In The Legs Of An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017
Question: My mom who is 88 years old complains that she have "heavy legs". She feels like her legs have 100 lb of additional weight. One doctor told her that it is arthritis another one recommended to use laser to clear some veins (she don't have vericose veins). What is your opinion. thanks. D
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
For how long has this been going you?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about what your mom experienced. I will like to know for how long she has been experiencing these symptoms. If she has no varicose veins, then there is juts no need for laser therapy. I will suggest that she benefits from massage at this and physical therapy at this time. I have not felt like there is something worrisome in the line of a possible stroke that might explain this. Monitoring longer will provide additional details if something else has to looked into.

In all, physical therapy through massage and repeated passive movements of the lower limbs.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Am always available for further exchanges as you may deem necessary!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (21 hours later)
Thanks Doc, my mom have those "heavy legs" for the last 2 years. She still walks almost daily for 2-3 hours. She is tough lady but it is bothering her. Thanks for your advise specially regarding massage. Question for you - what type of physical therapy would you recommend? D
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Tolerable exercise of the lower limbs!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the details.

She should engage in regular activities involving the lower limbs like walking, sitting and raising the legs up or lying on her back and raising them. This is to increase blood circulation and keep them flexible and active. There are no special physical therapy intervention for that.

You should be able to help her with this even at home.

I wish you well.
Kind regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Heaviness In The Legs Of An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: For how long has this been going you? Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about what your mom experienced. I will like to know for how long she has been experiencing these symptoms. If she has no varicose veins, then there is juts no need for laser therapy. I will suggest that she benefits from massage at this and physical therapy at this time. I have not felt like there is something worrisome in the line of a possible stroke that might explain this. Monitoring longer will provide additional details if something else has to looked into. In all, physical therapy through massage and repeated passive movements of the lower limbs. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Am always available for further exchanges as you may deem necessary!