Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?

In the last year, I've noticed my legs have been aching, especially after I've been sitting or standing for a while. I'm 55 years old and have no known health problems. Should I be concerned about this new aching?

- Katherine / Texas

Mayo Clinic hypertension specialist Sheldon Sheps, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

New, persistent aching in the legs, as you have described, certainly warrants a visit to your doctor for medical evaluation. It can have many causes. However, new leg pain or aching that occurs after prolonged standing or sitting suggests a possible buildup of fluid in the leg veins (venous congestion).

Venous congestion can occur when the valves in your leg veins don't work properly, such as due to prior inflammation of a vein (phlebitis). As a result, these veins don't efficiently return blood from your legs to your heart — allowing blood to leak and pool in your legs and feet. Varicose veins are another common cause of venous congestion.

Signs and symptoms of venous congestion include leg pain or aching, which is usually more noticeable after quiet sitting or standing. This may also be accompanied by swelling. Being in poor physical condition can contribute to these symptoms. Marked changes in the height of the heels of your shoes also can trigger leg pain.

A doctor can make a diagnosis based on your medical history and a physical examination. If the cause of leg pain is venous congestion, treatment may include: