Leg heaviness and general joint ache. 78 year old male.

@laughlin1947 "Leg heaviness" is not always related directly to the spine, it can also be a side effect of some medications, especially common are beta-blockers (like metoprolol) and statins. Or it can indicate deteriorating heart and circulatory function, such as venous insufficiency or blocked arteries. Finally, decreasing lung function from COPD or asthma can cause these symptoms.
Have you had a complete physical workup and medication review to consider these issues?

@sueinmn Well, I just recently started on a low dose of metoprolol, 25 mg, so the condition persisted before I started that. But I'd been on losartan 50 mg for a long time, quite a number of months and yet the leg heaviness just started following left leg arthroscopic surgery in April 2025. The statin I take is rosuvastatin 5 mg and I've stopped taking it cold turkey for several days at a time with no help. I've taken that statin for several years. I would not rule out any circulatory function issues, because it seems like this is leading to that. I was able to work out on a recumbent bike for an hour at a time for several months, thinking I needed to build strength and flexibility that way, but when I transitioned to walking instead, my walking was slow and tedious. My last abdominal MRI was July 2025 and it looked good in terms of circulatory issues, no blocked arteries. I just finished years' worth of study/treatment by a pulmonary doctor, and the study included several CT scans of my lungs. I had some exterior lung nodules. all too small to biopsy, but they diminished over time which was good. I had a test on my lower calves to see if I had venous blockages or reduced flow, but that test came out good. I also checked back on my 2025 MRI and it showed no spinal stenosis anywhere along my spine, looking at 2 vertebrae at a time. I don't have asthma of lung issues, since I had until just last year seen that pulmonary doctor for all of that. So, that you for all the ideas you gave me, there just be a secret issue that is causing my problem, and I must keep searching for an answer. I thought for sure it was spinal stenosis, but that is not the case. Maybe spinal compression form all of my vertebrae either being bone-on-bone of with bulging discs in the order of 3 mm or so. I think I'm destined to see a spinal specialist who specializes in mobility issues, i.e. nerve impingement or whatever.

Any chance it could be stage 1 Lymphedema? That presents as leg heaviness and aching which can feel better in the morning. Compression stockings could help.
I feel for you. It’s unfair when we try to take care of our bodies and pain gets in the way. I hope you find answers.

@sandylakes I may just need to bite the bullet and take pain relievers before I go on my morning walk, then just power through the hour. I wish the act of walking were more natural as it was in good old days, but not to be these "old man" days. Thanks for your response, and I'll talk to my endocrinologist about the lymphedema in September when I see him for a regular appointment.

@laughlin1947
One of the things they tell you for lymphedema is to remain active, so it would seem that is counter to how you feel after being active, but still worth discussing with your doctor. I'm 73 and feel lead footed on the few occasions that I had cause to run. I don't like the feeling and maybe I was too quick to chalk it up to my age, but I've had all of the cardiovascular tests and nothing extraordinary shows.