Lower limb fatigue during ambulation is a common experience characterized by a sensation of increased effort required to move the legs. This sensation can manifest as a feeling of weight, weakness, or general discomfort in the legs while walking. Individuals may describe their legs as feeling cumbersome, leaden, or as if they are dragging. The experience can range from mildly bothersome to significantly limiting mobility and impacting daily activities.
Understanding the underlying reasons for this sensation is important for maintaining physical activity and overall well-being. Identifying potential causes allows for appropriate interventions, promoting continued mobility and preventing further decline in physical function. Historically, sensations of lower limb fatigue have been dismissed; however, recognizing and addressing the issue is crucial for proactive health management and improved quality of life. Ignoring these sensations can lead to reduced activity levels, potentially contributing to further deconditioning and exacerbating underlying health conditions.
The causes of this experience are varied and can range from physiological factors, such as deconditioning or electrolyte imbalances, to underlying medical conditions. Exploring potential causes includes consideration of vascular issues, neurological problems, and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as lifestyle factors like physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Further investigation into each of these areas can provide a clearer understanding of the individual contributors to feelings of lower limb fatigue during ambulation.
1. Deconditioning
Deconditioning, defined as a decline in physiological function due to inactivity or reduced physical exertion, is a significant contributor to sensations of lower limb fatigue during ambulation. When muscles are not regularly challenged, they undergo atrophy, resulting in decreased strength, endurance, and efficiency. This diminished capacity makes even routine walking feel more strenuous. Consequently, the legs may feel heavy and difficult to move as the muscles struggle to meet the demands of the activity.
The impact of deconditioning is amplified in individuals who have experienced prolonged periods of immobility due to illness, injury, or sedentary lifestyles. For example, following a leg fracture requiring immobilization, the affected leg muscles will weaken significantly. Upon resuming walking, the individual may experience pronounced heaviness and fatigue in the previously immobilized leg. Similarly, individuals who spend the majority of their day sitting may find that their leg muscles fatigue quickly when attempting to walk even short distances. The reduced muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness associated with deconditioning directly impair the legs’ ability to efficiently perform the mechanical work of walking.
Recognizing deconditioning as a causative factor is crucial for implementing targeted interventions. Physical therapy, including strength training and aerobic exercise, can gradually rebuild muscle mass and improve cardiovascular function. This, in turn, enhances the legs’ capacity for sustained activity, reducing feelings of heaviness and improving overall mobility. Addressing deconditioning requires a consistent and progressive approach, tailored to the individual’s current physical capabilities, to restore functional capacity and alleviate the burden of lower limb fatigue.
2. Vascular Insufficiency
Vascular insufficiency, encompassing both arterial and venous etiologies, directly contributes to sensations of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. Arterial insufficiency, characterized by reduced blood flow to the leg muscles, limits oxygen and nutrient delivery essential for muscle function. This oxygen deprivation, known as ischemia, impairs the muscles’ ability to contract efficiently, leading to fatigue and a feeling of heaviness. For instance, individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often experience intermittent claudication, where leg pain and heaviness intensify with walking due to inadequate blood supply to the working muscles. The severity of these symptoms directly correlates with the degree of arterial blockage and the intensity of physical exertion.
Venous insufficiency, on the other hand, involves impaired venous return, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. This pooling increases pressure within the veins, leading to edema (swelling) and a sensation of heaviness or fullness in the legs. Chronic venous insufficiency can result in varicose veins and skin changes, further exacerbating discomfort. Consider a person who spends long hours standing; impaired venous return can cause blood to accumulate in the leg veins, resulting in swelling and the sensation that the legs feel heavy and tired. This venous congestion impairs the exchange of nutrients and waste products at the cellular level, contributing to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
The connection between vascular insufficiency and lower limb fatigue underscores the importance of vascular health for maintaining mobility. Diagnosis of vascular conditions, through methods such as ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing or venous ultrasound, is critical for initiating appropriate management strategies. These may include lifestyle modifications, medication, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms. Addressing the underlying vascular issues can significantly reduce the sensation of leg heaviness and improve an individual’s ability to walk comfortably and maintain an active lifestyle.
3. Neuropathy
Neuropathy, encompassing a range of conditions affecting the peripheral nerves, can manifest as a sensation of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. Nerve damage disrupts the normal transmission of signals between the brain and the muscles, impacting motor function and sensory perception. This disruption can lead to muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and altered sensations, collectively contributing to the feeling that the legs are heavy or difficult to move. The underlying cause of neuropathy, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or infections, influences the specific type and severity of nerve damage and, consequently, the symptomatic presentation. For example, diabetic neuropathy often affects the sensory nerves first, causing numbness or tingling in the feet, which can progress to weakness and a heavy feeling in the legs. The compromised nerve function interferes with the muscles’ ability to respond effectively to signals from the brain, resulting in increased effort required for walking and the subjective experience of leg heaviness.
The impact of neuropathy on gait and mobility can be substantial. Individuals with neuropathy may experience difficulty lifting their feet, leading to a shuffling gait and an increased risk of falls. The altered sensory feedback from the feet and legs can further contribute to balance problems and a feeling of instability. The sensation of heaviness can also be accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as pain, burning sensations, or muscle cramps. These additional symptoms can exacerbate the overall discomfort and further limit mobility. Consider a patient with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; the chemotherapy drugs can damage peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, and a heavy feeling in the legs. This can significantly impact the patient’s ability to walk and perform daily activities, requiring rehabilitative interventions to improve strength, balance, and coordination.
Understanding the role of neuropathy in the experience of lower limb heaviness is crucial for targeted management. Diagnostic testing, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography, can help identify the presence and extent of nerve damage. Treatment strategies focus on addressing the underlying cause of the neuropathy, managing symptoms, and improving function. This may involve medication to control blood sugar in diabetic neuropathy, immunosuppressants for autoimmune-related neuropathies, or pain management strategies to alleviate discomfort. Physical therapy plays a key role in improving strength, balance, and gait, helping individuals compensate for nerve damage and regain mobility. Addressing neuropathy comprehensively can reduce the sensation of leg heaviness, improve functional independence, and enhance overall quality of life.
4. Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolyte imbalance, characterized by abnormal levels of essential minerals in the body fluids, can contribute to sensations of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are critical for maintaining proper muscle and nerve function. These minerals facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses, regulate muscle contractions, and maintain fluid balance within cells. Disturbances in electrolyte concentrations disrupt these physiological processes, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and the subjective feeling that the legs are heavy or difficult to move. Dehydration, excessive sweating, kidney dysfunction, and certain medications can induce electrolyte imbalances, impacting muscular function and creating a sensation of lower limb fatigue. For instance, a marathon runner who experiences significant fluid and electrolyte loss through sweating may develop hyponatremia (low sodium levels), resulting in muscle cramps, weakness, and the feeling that the legs are heavy and difficult to lift. Conversely, individuals with kidney disease may experience hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which can also lead to muscle weakness and fatigue.
The impact of electrolyte imbalances on muscle function stems from their role in regulating cellular excitability and contractile processes. Sodium and potassium gradients across cell membranes are essential for generating action potentials, the electrical signals that trigger muscle contractions. Calcium is required for the interaction of actin and myosin filaments within muscle cells, enabling the sliding mechanism that produces force. Magnesium, on the other hand, is involved in muscle relaxation and prevents excessive muscle contraction. An imbalance in any of these electrolytes can impair the normal functioning of muscles, leading to weakness, cramping, and a feeling of heaviness. Individuals taking diuretics, medications that increase urine production, are at risk of electrolyte imbalances due to increased excretion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These imbalances can manifest as muscle fatigue, weakness, and a sensation that the legs feel heavy during physical activity. Furthermore, conditions like vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to significant electrolyte losses, further contributing to muscular dysfunction.
Recognizing the potential role of electrolyte imbalances in contributing to lower limb heaviness is essential for diagnosis and management. Assessing electrolyte levels through blood tests can help identify the presence and nature of any imbalances. Treatment strategies involve addressing the underlying cause of the imbalance and restoring electrolyte levels to within the normal range. This may include oral or intravenous electrolyte replacement, dietary modifications, or adjustments to medications. Hydration with electrolyte-containing solutions can be beneficial, particularly during or after prolonged physical activity. In cases of kidney dysfunction or severe electrolyte imbalances, medical intervention may be necessary to correct the abnormalities. Addressing electrolyte imbalances proactively can alleviate muscle weakness and fatigue, reduce the sensation of leg heaviness, and improve overall physical function and well-being.
5. Medication Side Effects
Medication side effects can significantly contribute to the sensation of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. Certain medications can induce muscle weakness, fatigue, or nerve damage, resulting in a feeling that the legs are heavy or difficult to move. The underlying mechanisms vary depending on the specific medication and its pharmacological properties. For example, statins, commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, can, in some individuals, cause myopathy, a muscle disease characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. This myopathy can directly impact the leg muscles, leading to a feeling of heaviness and difficulty walking. Similarly, certain antihypertensive medications, such as beta-blockers and diuretics, can cause fatigue and electrolyte imbalances, both of which can contribute to muscle weakness and a sensation of leg heaviness. The presence of such side effects underscores the importance of medication review as a component of assessing reported lower limb fatigue.
Antipsychotic medications, particularly those classified as neuroleptics, can also induce motor side effects that contribute to feelings of leg heaviness. These medications can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including muscle stiffness, rigidity, and a slowing of movement (bradykinesia). These symptoms can make walking feel more effortful, leading to a sensation of heaviness and difficulty initiating or maintaining gait. Corticosteroids, while effective anti-inflammatory agents, can cause muscle wasting (atrophy) with prolonged use, particularly in the proximal muscles of the legs. This muscle atrophy weakens the legs and makes walking more challenging, resulting in a subjective experience of leg heaviness. Furthermore, certain chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment can cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in nerve damage that leads to muscle weakness, numbness, and a heavy feeling in the legs. Identifying medications with the potential to cause lower limb heaviness is crucial for medication management and therapeutic decision-making.
The practical significance of recognizing medication side effects as a potential cause of leg heaviness lies in the ability to implement appropriate interventions. These may include adjusting the medication dosage, switching to an alternative medication with a lower risk of side effects, or implementing strategies to manage the side effects. For example, if statin-induced myopathy is suspected, a physician may reduce the statin dosage, switch to a different statin, or recommend coenzyme Q10 supplementation. In cases of diuretic-induced electrolyte imbalances, electrolyte replacement and dietary modifications may be necessary. Physical therapy can also play a role in improving muscle strength and function, helping individuals compensate for medication-induced muscle weakness. Recognizing and addressing medication side effects proactively can improve an individual’s mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall quality of life. A thorough medication history is therefore essential in evaluating the presentation of lower limb fatigue.
6. Musculoskeletal Issues
Musculoskeletal issues represent a significant category of potential causes for sensations of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. These conditions, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can directly impair the biomechanics of walking, leading to increased effort and the perception of heaviness. Pain, inflammation, and structural abnormalities associated with musculoskeletal disorders can disrupt normal gait patterns and compromise the efficiency of movement.
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Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, frequently affects the hip and knee, major weight-bearing joints crucial for ambulation. Cartilage breakdown leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. An individual with knee osteoarthritis may experience pain and stiffness when walking, leading to altered gait mechanics that increase the effort required for each step. The body compensates by shifting weight and using alternative muscle groups, resulting in muscle fatigue and a sensation of heaviness in the affected leg.
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Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, can compress nerve roots in the lower back, leading to radicular pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. The neurological compromise can affect muscle function, making it difficult to lift the feet or maintain balance during walking. For example, someone with lumbar spinal stenosis may experience leg heaviness, pain, and cramping that worsens with prolonged walking, requiring them to stop and rest frequently. The nerve compression disrupts motor control and sensory feedback, contributing to the feeling that the legs are heavy and unresponsive.
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Muscle Strains and Tendinopathies
Muscle strains and tendinopathies, such as hamstring strains or Achilles tendinitis, can cause pain and weakness in the lower extremities. These conditions limit the ability of the affected muscles and tendons to generate force and support the body’s weight during walking. An individual with an Achilles tendon injury may experience pain and weakness in the calf muscle, leading to a compensatory gait pattern and increased strain on other leg muscles. This can result in a feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the affected leg as the body attempts to maintain stability and propulsion.
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Flatfoot Deformity
Flatfoot deformity, characterized by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, can alter the biomechanics of walking and lead to increased stress on the lower leg muscles and joints. The lack of arch support can cause the foot to overpronate, affecting the alignment of the ankle, knee, and hip. This altered alignment can lead to muscle imbalances and increased effort required for propulsion during gait, resulting in a feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the legs. Individuals with flatfeet may experience increased leg fatigue and discomfort, particularly after prolonged standing or walking.
These musculoskeletal issues collectively demonstrate how structural and functional abnormalities in the lower extremities can significantly impact the sensation of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. Addressing these underlying musculoskeletal problems through physical therapy, orthotics, medication, or surgery can improve biomechanics, reduce pain, and alleviate the feeling of leg heaviness. Comprehensive assessment and management strategies are essential for optimizing mobility and improving quality of life.
7. Anemia
Anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, directly impacts the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, including leg muscles, impairs cellular respiration and energy production. Consequently, muscle fatigue and a sensation of heaviness during ambulation may manifest. Anemic individuals experience this because the muscles, deprived of adequate oxygen, cannot sustain normal contractile function. The increased effort required to perform even routine movements results in a subjective feeling that the legs are heavy and difficult to move. For instance, a woman with iron-deficiency anemia may find that walking short distances induces significant leg fatigue and heaviness, which prevents her from engaging in regular physical activity. The severity of the symptoms often correlates with the degree of anemia; more profound anemia typically leads to more pronounced muscle fatigue.
The connection between anemia and lower limb heaviness underscores the importance of recognizing anemia as a potential underlying cause. In the diagnostic process, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are assessed to determine the presence and severity of anemia. Further investigation to identify the specific cause of anemia is critical, as treatment depends on the underlying etiology. Iron deficiency is a common cause, often resulting from inadequate dietary intake, blood loss, or malabsorption. Other causes include vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12 or folate), chronic diseases, and genetic disorders. Regardless of the cause, the resultant hypoxia in muscle tissue consistently contributes to the sensation of leg heaviness. An elderly individual with chronic kidney disease may develop anemia due to reduced erythropoietin production, the hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production. This anemia can significantly impact their mobility, as they experience leg heaviness and fatigue, limiting their ability to perform daily activities and increasing their risk of falls.
Addressing anemia through appropriate medical management can significantly alleviate the sensation of lower limb heaviness and improve functional capacity. Iron supplementation, vitamin injections, or blood transfusions, when medically indicated, can restore red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels, improving oxygen delivery to the muscles. With improved oxygenation, muscle fatigue decreases, and the sensation of leg heaviness diminishes. Optimizing anemia management allows individuals to engage in more physical activity, promoting further improvements in muscle strength and endurance. Therefore, consideration of anemia as a potential contributor is crucial for holistic patient assessment and targeted interventions, which address the physiological mechanisms causing lower limb fatigue.
8. Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) establishes a direct pathophysiological link to the sensation of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. PAD, characterized by atherosclerotic narrowing of arteries supplying the lower extremities, restricts blood flow to the leg muscles. This vascular compromise induces ischemia, a state of inadequate oxygen delivery to the working muscles, particularly during physical activity. The muscles’ capacity for sustained contraction is impaired, leading to metabolic abnormalities and the accumulation of byproducts such as lactic acid. Consequently, individuals with PAD experience muscle fatigue, cramping, and a characteristic feeling that the legs are heavy, stiff, or difficult to move, especially upon exertion. This heaviness is a manifestation of the muscles’ inability to meet the metabolic demands of walking due to insufficient oxygen supply.
The importance of PAD as a component of lower limb heaviness lies in its potential for significant morbidity and functional limitation. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as pain, cramping, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, or buttock muscles that occurs predictably with walking and is relieved by rest. The distance an individual can walk before experiencing claudication, termed claudication distance, objectively reflects the severity of the arterial obstruction. As PAD progresses, the claudication distance shortens, further restricting mobility and independence. The sensation of leg heaviness, therefore, serves as a sentinel symptom, indicating the presence and severity of underlying vascular disease. For instance, an individual who previously walked several blocks without difficulty may now experience significant leg heaviness and cramping after only one block, prompting further medical evaluation. Understanding this symptom’s connection to PAD is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.
The practical significance of recognizing the link between PAD and leg heaviness resides in the opportunity for early detection and targeted management. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing, a non-invasive assessment of arterial blood flow in the legs, is a key diagnostic tool for identifying PAD. Medical management strategies include lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation, exercise therapy), medication (e.g., antiplatelet agents, statins), and, in severe cases, revascularization procedures (e.g., angioplasty, bypass surgery). Addressing PAD can improve blood flow to the leg muscles, alleviating the sensation of heaviness and improving walking tolerance. Without appropriate intervention, PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia, a severe form of arterial insufficiency that can lead to chronic pain, non-healing ulcers, and amputation. Therefore, awareness of PAD as a cause of leg heaviness empowers both individuals and healthcare professionals to pursue prompt diagnosis and treatment, ultimately preserving limb function and enhancing quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following addresses common inquiries regarding the sensation of lower limb heaviness experienced during walking. It aims to provide clarification and guidance concerning this symptom.
Question 1: Is the sensation of heavy legs during walking always indicative of a serious medical condition?
Not necessarily. While various underlying medical conditions can manifest as leg heaviness, transient factors such as deconditioning, overexertion, or mild dehydration may also be responsible. However, persistent or progressively worsening symptoms warrant medical evaluation.
Question 2: What initial steps can be taken to alleviate the feeling of heavy legs during walking?
Ensuring adequate hydration, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular, moderate-intensity exercise are recommended initial steps. Elevating the legs periodically and wearing compression stockings may also provide relief. However, these measures are not substitutes for professional medical advice.
Question 3: What types of medical professionals should be consulted regarding persistent leg heaviness?
A general practitioner or primary care physician should be consulted initially. Depending on the suspected underlying cause, referral to a specialist, such as a vascular surgeon, neurologist, or orthopedist, may be necessary.
Question 4: Are there specific diagnostic tests commonly used to determine the cause of heavy legs during walking?
Common diagnostic tests include blood tests to assess for anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney function; nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve function; vascular studies, such as ankle-brachial index (ABI), to assess blood flow; and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to evaluate musculoskeletal structures.
Question 5: Can medication directly cause the sensation of heavy legs during walking?
Yes, certain medications, including statins, beta-blockers, diuretics, and some antipsychotics, can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, or nerve damage, resulting in a feeling of leg heaviness as a side effect. A thorough review of current medications with a healthcare provider is advisable.
Question 6: Is physical therapy a viable option for managing heavy legs during walking?
Yes, physical therapy can be beneficial in improving muscle strength, endurance, and gait mechanics. Targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques can help alleviate symptoms and improve functional mobility.
The information provided serves for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Seeking professional medical guidance is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of any health condition.
Moving forward, exploring preventative measures and lifestyle adjustments can contribute to sustained well-being.
Managing Lower Limb Heaviness
The following evidence-based strategies offer guidance for mitigating the sensation of lower limb heaviness experienced during ambulation. Adherence to these recommendations can promote improved mobility and overall well-being.
Tip 1: Implement a Graded Exercise Program: A structured exercise program, progressing gradually in intensity and duration, enhances muscle strength and endurance. Consultation with a physical therapist is advisable to develop a safe and effective plan tailored to individual needs and limitations. Consider incorporating both aerobic exercises, such as walking or cycling, and resistance training exercises targeting major leg muscle groups.
Tip 2: Optimize Hydration Status: Maintaining adequate hydration supports optimal muscle function and electrolyte balance. Monitor fluid intake throughout the day, particularly during and after physical activity. Water is generally the preferred choice, but electrolyte-replenishing beverages may be beneficial following strenuous exertion.
Tip 3: Employ Compression Therapy: The use of compression stockings improves venous return and reduces edema in the lower extremities. Graduated compression stockings, providing higher pressure at the ankle and decreasing pressure proximally, are generally recommended. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate compression level and ensure proper fit.
Tip 4: Adopt a Nutrient-Rich Dietary Pattern: A well-balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, provides essential nutrients for muscle health and energy production. Address any underlying nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, through dietary modifications or supplementation, as advised by a healthcare professional.
Tip 5: Manage Underlying Medical Conditions: Effective management of underlying medical conditions, such as peripheral artery disease, diabetes, or anemia, is crucial for alleviating lower limb heaviness. Adhere to prescribed treatment regimens, including medications and lifestyle modifications, and maintain regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.
Tip 6: Prioritize Regular Rest and Recovery: Adequate rest and recovery periods allow muscles to repair and rebuild after physical activity. Avoid overexertion and incorporate rest days into the exercise schedule. Prioritize sleep hygiene practices to promote restorative sleep.
Consistently implementing these strategies can lead to noticeable improvements in lower limb strength, endurance, and overall mobility. However, it is essential to recognize that individual responses may vary, and ongoing consultation with healthcare professionals is recommended.
These recommendations provide a foundation for proactive self-management. Integrating these tips into daily routines can contribute to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Understanding Lower Limb Fatigue During Ambulation
This exploration has illuminated a spectrum of factors contributing to the sensation of lower limb heaviness during ambulation. From deconditioning and vascular insufficiency to neurological disorders, electrolyte imbalances, medication side effects, musculoskeletal issues, anemia, and peripheral artery disease, the etiology is often multifactorial. Accurate diagnosis necessitates a comprehensive assessment, incorporating medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing. Effective management strategies are tailored to address the underlying causes and may involve lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, and rehabilitative therapies.
The experience of lower limb heaviness should not be dismissed as a trivial complaint. It often signals underlying physiological dysfunction that, if left unaddressed, can significantly impact mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Individuals experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should seek prompt medical evaluation to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention. Prioritizing lower limb health is essential for maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle across the lifespan.
