“Why does my foot feel heavy?”
Since last night I am finding a strange heaviness in my foot. It is not hurting but every time I try to walk I feel like I am dragging my feet. Could this be due to some kind of a pull or strain to the muscles?
20 Answers
The logical answer is that you have developed a neuropathy that is aggravated with the added stress of the high impact of running--jogging.
I am suggesting an evaluation by your local Podiatrist to see if you have some muscle and/or nerve pathological condition.
I am suggesting an evaluation by your local Podiatrist to see if you have some muscle and/or nerve pathological condition.
Dragging and heaviness can be attributed from conditions such as overuse of muscles in the lower extremity or due to delay in venous return from conditions such as venous insufficiency thus forming heaviness from build-up of blood in the lower extremity.
Certainly overuse of muscles can cause those symptoms especially if muscles in the legs are overused. Nerve impingement can also lead to heaviness of the lower extremity due to its effects on the muscle
There are many factors that could cause this sensation. Without a thorough examination to rule in or out several causes and possibly blood work it is really hard to say why you are experiencing these symptoms. It is really best to be examined by a podiatrist to determine the cause.
Unless you have neuropathy, you would feel at least some sort of pain/ache with a sprain. Is it both feet? Sometimes systemic issues can make your feet feel heavy. Did you eat too much salt the night before? Dietary issues can also cause swelling and a “heavy” feeling of the lower extremity. Lastly, on the far extreme, blood clots can cause a “heavy feeling” in the leg as well.
If the sensation continues in tbt next 48 hours or so, you should contact your primary care doctor to rule out any pathology.
If the sensation continues in tbt next 48 hours or so, you should contact your primary care doctor to rule out any pathology.
Swelling, nerve pathology, increase salt intake, etc...
it depends on how deep the glass has gone into your foot. Almost all podiatrists would be the best specialty to see for this. However, if the glass has gone too deep into the foot, you may require surgical removal of glass under anesthesia.
It's possible that your developed an overuse strain, and the inflammation is pressing on a nerve, causing the feeling of heaviness and "dragging". I recommend you see your doc to evaluate this properly.
The symptoms you are describing can have several causes. I would recommend you see a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible to be evaluated. There is a possibility that the problem is originating in your back due to a nerve entrapment, but this will need to be evaluated and worked up
Probably fatigue. If you experience pain, seek immediate care. May also want to do a daily massage and this may be a symptom of swelling.
This sounds like it could be a nerve problem and should be evaluated ASAP
They might be swollen. See your Podiatrist for proper diagnosis
Dr. Joel Charles Rutherford
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Lee Charlotte and Collier Counties, Fl
Your peroneal muscles on the lateral (outer side) of your legs along with the anterior (front) leg muscles help to dorsiflex (lift up) your feet to clear objects and the ground when you walk. If you are dragging your foot or feet, you may be experiencing difficulty with this dorsiflexion motion. You may want to get a gait analysis from a podiatrist, an "emg" to test your nerve impulses or even visit a vascular physician to check out your lower extremity circulation. There are a number of things that could be at the root of this. It could even be an idiopathic (undiagnosed) condition that is self-limiting and requiring no intervention. I, however, recommend seeing your family physician for an appropriate referral.
Dr. Joel C. Rutherford, DPM
Dr. Joel C. Rutherford, DPM
When a patient brings a problem that is ill-defined, such as this one, I approach it by looking at the possible systems involved. Unfortunately, your problem could involve the vascular system, the musculoskeletal system, and the neurologic system. I have excluded the dermatologic system.
Vascular System:
-lymphedema
-varicose veins
-poor circulation (arterial insufficiency)
Musculoskeletal System:
-insufficiency fracture
-capsulitis
-tendonitis
Neurologic:
-neuroma
-tarsal tunnel
-spinal compression of nerve root
This a partial list of the more common maladies. A physician and testing is needed to confirm a definite diagnosis.
Rod Tomczak, MD, EdD
Vascular System:
-lymphedema
-varicose veins
-poor circulation (arterial insufficiency)
Musculoskeletal System:
-insufficiency fracture
-capsulitis
-tendonitis
Neurologic:
-neuroma
-tarsal tunnel
-spinal compression of nerve root
This a partial list of the more common maladies. A physician and testing is needed to confirm a definite diagnosis.
Rod Tomczak, MD, EdD
This heaviness, or fatigue sensation that you are experiencing in your feet may be due to a condition called "intermittent claudication" which is is sometimes caused by arterial circulation problems affecting the lower limb.
If the heaviness or fatigue sensation starts after walking approximately 1/2 block and the sensation is relieved on rest or elevation of the feet above the level of the hip or heart, then this can be consistent with intermittent claudication. However, if you are experiencing restless movement or like something crawling on your feet or legs: cramping or spasms in your feet and/or legs that is relieved on dangling your feet over the side of the bed or getting out of bed and walking around the room until the cramps or spasms have resolved-stopped, then this issue or condition may be consistent with "Rest Pain" or Restless leg Syndrome that is due to decreased circulation in the lower extremity. Low potassium and/or magnesium may cause cramping or spasms in the the feet and legs in the evenings.
If the heaviness or fatigue sensation starts after walking approximately 1/2 block and the sensation is relieved on rest or elevation of the feet above the level of the hip or heart, then this can be consistent with intermittent claudication. However, if you are experiencing restless movement or like something crawling on your feet or legs: cramping or spasms in your feet and/or legs that is relieved on dangling your feet over the side of the bed or getting out of bed and walking around the room until the cramps or spasms have resolved-stopped, then this issue or condition may be consistent with "Rest Pain" or Restless leg Syndrome that is due to decreased circulation in the lower extremity. Low potassium and/or magnesium may cause cramping or spasms in the the feet and legs in the evenings.
Most likely pressure on the outside of you knee. Either sleeping or pressure while at work?
Pressure on common peroneal nerve can do this.
Pressure on common peroneal nerve can do this.
It could because of multiple reasons. Muscle strain/pulls. Also, could be nerve related leading to other issues.
A heaviness feeling in one foot may be secondary to swelling, which can be secondary to many things. It may also be secondary to nerve damage or loss of motor function of a certain muscle. It is difficult to pinpoint the etiology without an exam. Having the condition diagnosed through a specialist is probably the best way to go!
This sounds similar to something known as foot drop. There are multiple etiologies for foot drop, but they are all neurological in nature. The common peroneal nerve which passes around the knee is commonly involved. More extensive work up with a neurologist would be advised. Thank you for the question!
This could happen for a number of reasons. It might help to know your age, your past medical history, etc. But in the absence of that information, Neuromuscular diseases (such as Neuropathy, Muscular Dystrophy, Stroke, Lupus, and other disease processes) can cause muscle weakness and even loss of function. I would highly recommend seeing a Neurologist or Podiatrist and have a full examination
