Legs are important to overall health

Last week, an 80-year-old patient told me, “I have finally recognized how important my legs are if I’m going to continue to be a healthy, active person.”

He’s right.

One of the most critical drivers of our overall health is our legs, yet we often take them for granted.

Our calf muscles act as pumps, helping push blood back to the heart, improving circulation, reducing swelling, and lowering the risk of blood clots and varicose veins. Our legs also contain most of our muscle mass, and more muscle means a higher metabolism and better blood sugar control.

In addition, they help preserve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. In other words, weak legs often mean fragile bones.

Of course, our legs also take us where we want to go, and when we keep them strong, they help us maintain balance and prevent falls.

When our legs are tired, achy or swollen, a frequent cause is venous insufficiency, including varicose veins. This makes us want to sit and put our legs up, which is the opposite of what we should do—keep moving.

In 2026, resolve to pay attention to your legs, especially how they feel. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, give our office a call to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward an active summer 2026: leg pain or swelling
• heaviness or fatigue • itching, tingling or burning • inflammation • skin discoloration • restless legs syndrome.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the UIP 2023 lead chair for scientific abstracts. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care and Elite Vascular Wellness, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center is at 7200 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140 or visit YourHealthyVeins.com.