What causes heaviness in the lower leg?

The causes of heavy legs can generally be divided into two aspects: physiological and pathological factors. Pathological factors include conditions such as lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and chronic glomerulonephritis. Depending on the specific disease, patients may exhibit different symptoms. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

Excessive water intake at night, overexertion, poor sleep quality, and similar factors may increase the functional burden on the kidneys and reduce the efficiency of systemic blood metabolism and circulation. Individuals affected by these factors may experience physiological responses such as numbness, heaviness, and soreness in the lower limbs.

2. Pathological Factors

1) Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis

This condition impairs venous return in the lower limbs, leading to excessive accumulation of venous blood in the leg tissues. Therefore, patients often experience symptoms such as leg swelling, subcutaneous pain, and skin itching.

2) Chronic Glomerulonephritis

This is an autoimmune disease that causes irreversible damage to the glomeruli. Due to impaired glomerular filtration function, excess sodium, water, and other substances accumulate in the body, particularly in distal tissues such as the lower legs and toes. Common symptoms include lower limb edema, reduced skin elasticity, and proteinuria.

Other diseases such as renal failure may also cause similar symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, individuals should seek medical evaluation promptly and receive standardized treatment under a physician's guidance.