Why I feel heaviness in legs whenever I walk few steps?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 78-year-old male. My weight is approximately 176 pounds, and my height is 5.5 feet. During the last three months, I have been facing difficulty in walking. This started one day after taking a walk; my feet swelled near the ankle area. This subsided after taking a rest.

However, after that incident, when I stand on my feet and walk a few steps, I feel my weight increasing from my foot to my ankle and then to my calf/knee. I feel the weight on my feet, and I am unable to walk further. I also feel dizzy and weak when I stand. The problem is mainly on the right side, not the left.

I am taking only BP medicines.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your pain.

Did you happen to twist your leg or foot while walking?
Do you have pain when you press the ankle?

The probable cause is trauma during walking.

From what you say, it appears to be a neglected ankle sprain or an undisplaced fracture for which you should take an X-ray of the ankle, anteroposterior and lateral views, and see.

Another possibility is a blocked blood vessel in the leg, which can happen due to a clot. Its possibility is high, as you have BP. Also, there is a blackish discoloration of your ankle. If that discoloration is a new one, you should do a Doppler ultrasound of your lower limb.

Use a crepe bandage while walking. Do ankle muscle strengthening exercises if the X-ray is normal. Avoid walking more on uneven surfaces.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.