Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Heavy Painful Tiredness Feet And Varicose Veins In Legs
Question: I am a 34-year-old female. I have Hashimoto's but it's controlled (normal TSH) with 50 mcg Levothyroxin daily. I have normal hemoglobin but am a little low on ferritin (lower than normal levels, can't recall numbers though). I also have varicose veins in both legs. Lately, I have become utterly exhausted after even minor activity. Going on a 20-minute walk left me utterly exhausted and barely able to care for my 1-year-old. I have also had achy, tired legs - they really ache and burn even after a short walk, and over the past few days they've started feeling like dead weights. Lifting them to walk seems surprisingly difficult. Any idea what could be going on? Could the low ferritin levels be causing all this (I haven't been good about taking iron)? Or is this more likely related to the varicose veins/venous insufficiency? Or something else entirely? Should I see a specialist?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be due to low ferritin.
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concern. If you have a normal TSH, hypothyroidism is not responsible for your symptoms. If the ferritin is low, but hemoglobin is normal, not to worry. That too will not cause the symptoms as long as hemoglobin is normal.
Please get a fasting blood sugar, electrolytes, vitamin D, Vitamin B12, fasting calcium, albumin, phosphorus, alkanline phosphatase and CPK test done. These tests may throw some light. Varicose veins would cause swelling and dilated veins in legs. Do you have them?
Regards
Binu
Unlikely to be due to low ferritin.
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concern. If you have a normal TSH, hypothyroidism is not responsible for your symptoms. If the ferritin is low, but hemoglobin is normal, not to worry. That too will not cause the symptoms as long as hemoglobin is normal.
Please get a fasting blood sugar, electrolytes, vitamin D, Vitamin B12, fasting calcium, albumin, phosphorus, alkanline phosphatase and CPK test done. These tests may throw some light. Varicose veins would cause swelling and dilated veins in legs. Do you have them?
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had a fasting blood sugar done during my physical last June: value=98, ref range=70-100. Then I had another one done a few weeks laster where I forgot to fast (had a muffin) but still had blood sugar of 90. Unfortunately, I can't get the other tests done right now, I just had my physical and I don't think I can just walk in and order some more tests :). Or would you recommend that I do make a follow-up appointment for the fatigue?
Regarding the varicose veins, I have dilated veins on both calves and have recently gotten a few extra in my left thigh. I also get swelling in my legs, especially noticeable in my calves and at night.
Regarding the varicose veins, I have dilated veins on both calves and have recently gotten a few extra in my left thigh. I also get swelling in my legs, especially noticeable in my calves and at night.
Brief Answer:
Varicose veins can cause these symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Yes, i would say it is reasonable to discuss with your PCP to discuss about fatigue and other symptoms and get the above tests done. I agree that varicose veins itself could cause some nagging sensaton in legs along with feeling heavy in legs due to veous blood pooling. A compresion bandage or stockings or even sitting with your legs raised would help.
If you can not get the above test done, it is reasonable to use a calcium, multo vitamin and Vitamin D in the interim.
Varicose veins can cause these symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Yes, i would say it is reasonable to discuss with your PCP to discuss about fatigue and other symptoms and get the above tests done. I agree that varicose veins itself could cause some nagging sensaton in legs along with feeling heavy in legs due to veous blood pooling. A compresion bandage or stockings or even sitting with your legs raised would help.
If you can not get the above test done, it is reasonable to use a calcium, multo vitamin and Vitamin D in the interim.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
