Climbing stairs is one of many ways to help reduce body fat and improve your health. Fatigue felt in the thighs when climbing stairs may be caused by a variety of reasons, some of which may indicate a serious health problem. Speak to your doctor if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, increased heart rate or sores or wounds on the feet in addition to fatigue in your thighs.
Fatigue From Overtraining
Fatigue in the thighs from climbing stairs might be the result of overtraining. The American Council on Exercise defines overtraining as not allowing your body adequate time to recover from exercise. In addition to feeling as if your legs are heavy, other symptoms of overtraining include decreased performance, chronic muscle pain, insomnia, mood swings and loss of appetite. Overtraining also saps you of your energy and may make you depressed. It is important to schedule a day of rest in between heavy workout sessions to allow your body time to recuperate.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
According to the National, Heart Lung and Blood Institute, one in every 20 Americans over age 50 has peripheral arterial disease, which occurs when the arteries in the legs are blocked by plaque buildup. PAD may also occur in other parts of the body including the arms, head, kidneys and stomach. Other symptoms of PAD include pain in the legs while trying to sleep, sores or wounds on the legs, feet or toes, different body temperatures between each leg and poor leg hair or toenail growth. Adults older than 50 --- plus African Americans and those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoke or have a personal history of heart complications --- may be at risk of developing PAD.
Heart Failure
Although it sounds scary and terminal, heart failure actually means the heart isn't working as well as it should be. Heart failure may be caused by a variety of health conditions including narrowing of the arteries, high blood pressure and cholesterol, cardiac illnesses and diabetes. To spot the warning signs of heart failure, it is important to take note of other symptoms you may experience in addition to fatigue in thighs. These symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, swelling in the extremities such as your feet or hands, increased heart rate and impaired thinking. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms in addition to thigh fatigue when climbing stairs.
Other Considerations
Other medical conditions that may cause fatigue in thighs when climbing stairs include Graves' disease, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, cancer treatment, chronic fatigue syndrome and more. Your doctor can perform a variety of physical-fitness tests as well as blood work and a physical exam to rule out any serious illnesses. In the meantime, rest until you determine the cause of your fatigue.
References
- BBC; Climbing Stairs Can Prolong Life; Sept. 1, 2008
- American Council on Exercise: Top 10 Signs You're Overtraining
- American Heart Association; Warning Signs of Heart Failure; June 13, 2011
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Facts About Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Thryoid-Info; Muscle and Joint Pain with Thyroid Disease; Mary Shomon; July 6, 2011
