What’s really causing your leg pain?

Dr. Sonja Stiller • December 5, 2025

If your legs have been tired, sore or swollen for a while, it may be time to stop wondering why.

A person sitting on a sofa in a yellow sweater, holding their leg in apparent discomfort or pain.

When our legs are tired, achy or swollen, we may come up with all kinds of reasons to explain it away:

“I’m just tired. I need to rest.”

“I’m getting older, it’s natural.”

“It’s my arthritis acting up.”

“I’m out of shape; I should exercise.”

“I ate too much salt. All I need is a water pill.”


Worrying and wondering about the source of our symptoms can be stressful and negatively affect our quality of life. If your legs have been tired, sore or swollen for a while, it may be time to stop wondering why.


The holidays are the time of year when I remind people to give themselves a gift: the gift of knowledge, the gift of peace of mind.


Symptoms are often linked to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that includes varicose veins. These damaged veins hinder blood from effectively leaving the legs and returning to the heart. The result is a buildup of toxins in the lower legs, leading to swelling and discomfort.


Left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to permanent skin discoloration and ulcers.

So give yourself the gift of understanding the true cause of your symptoms. Everyone is busy right now, so take just a minute to call and schedule your initial consultation for January, and begin your journey toward an active summer 2026, free of symptoms like these:

  • 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. 


Recent Posts

By Karl Gerhard • October 16, 2026
Tender apple scones filled with crisp apples, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a sweet apple cider glaze make the perfect treat for welcoming autumn.
By Laura Briedis • October 16, 2026
It’s time to refresh your color with a new hue or deeper highlight. Here’s how the team at Cory’s Hair Studio & Day Spa can help you make a change.
By Mitch Allen • October 15, 2026
Halloween is almost here, but the scariest thing this fall is overflowing gutters. Who you gonna call? The Gutter Boys.
By Mitch Allen • October 15, 2026
Frost wedging caused by winter’s freeze-thaw cycle, can cause concrete surfaces to crack and shatter. Here’s why it happens and how you can stop it with Pristine Clean.
By Patricia Nugent • October 14, 2026
Spartan StormShield takes a thoughtful approach to lasting roof care.
By Beth Newcomb • October 13, 2026
Freedom of choice when it comes to Medicare means you get to decide who supports your journey.
By Patricia Nugent • October 12, 2026
The freshly reimagined Brown Derby Wood-Fired Steakhous e sets the tone for special occasions and romantic date nights, but that’s not all this legendary restaurant has to offer.
By Mary Malik • October 12, 2026
At Haven Home Assisted Living , smaller resident numbers mean personal attention comes standard. Here’s the difference this home is making in the lives of seniors
By Patricia Nugent • October 12, 2026
Kim Haupt lost 100 pounds thanks in part to surgery, but she also lost a lot of muscle. Here’s how MaxStrength Fitness got her up and moving again, with more strength and stamina
By Patricia Nugent • October 12, 2026
After a recent bone density scan revealed positive improvement, Catherine Saluja credits the team at MaxStrength Fitness for helping her get there.

RELATED ARTICLES

By Karl Gerhard • October 16, 2026
Tender apple scones filled with crisp apples, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a sweet apple cider glaze make the perfect treat for welcoming autumn.
By Laura Briedis • October 16, 2026
It’s time to refresh your color with a new hue or deeper highlight. Here’s how the team at Cory’s Hair Studio & Day Spa can help you make a change.
By Mitch Allen • October 15, 2026
Halloween is almost here, but the scariest thing this fall is overflowing gutters. Who you gonna call? The Gutter Boys.
By Mitch Allen • October 15, 2026
Frost wedging caused by winter’s freeze-thaw cycle, can cause concrete surfaces to crack and shatter. Here’s why it happens and how you can stop it with Pristine Clean.
By Patricia Nugent • October 14, 2026
Spartan StormShield takes a thoughtful approach to lasting roof care.
By Beth Newcomb • October 13, 2026
Freedom of choice when it comes to Medicare means you get to decide who supports your journey.
By Patricia Nugent • October 12, 2026
The freshly reimagined Brown Derby Wood-Fired Steakhous e sets the tone for special occasions and romantic date nights, but that’s not all this legendary restaurant has to offer.
By Mary Malik • October 12, 2026
At Haven Home Assisted Living , smaller resident numbers mean personal attention comes standard. Here’s the difference this home is making in the lives of seniors
By Patricia Nugent • October 12, 2026
Kim Haupt lost 100 pounds thanks in part to surgery, but she also lost a lot of muscle. Here’s how MaxStrength Fitness got her up and moving again, with more strength and stamina
By Patricia Nugent • October 12, 2026
After a recent bone density scan revealed positive improvement, Catherine Saluja credits the team at MaxStrength Fitness for helping her get there.
More Posts