Our bodies are an intricate intermingling of complex cellular structure, electrical impulse and movement. But like every machine and living organism, we require some maintenance to make sure everything is functioning properly.
Our Legs Are Prone to Injury
Our legs provide movement allowing us to run, walk, drive and play sports.
The legs are in the lower region of the body and that position means they are prone to injury. Some issues can start deep beneath the skin and affect the circulatory system that makes normal activity difficult and painful. Other issues arise from outside factors such as surface injury, weight gain and positioning.
When it comes to your legs, there are many things that can afflict them and it’s your responsibility to know when it’s time to treat your legs. Paying attention to the warning signs is the key to effective treatment. Here are some warning signs to know it’s time to treat your legs.
What are some warning signs of leg issues?
At Canada Vein Clinics, we look forward to helping our patients get to the core of their leg ailments.. We will go through the warning signs attached to specific conditions affecting the legs.
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation is one of the symptoms of leg problems that could be caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), among other things. This ailment causes many unpleasant and life threating issues such as heart disease, low oxygen delivery and the most severe being brain disorders over time.
Poor circulation means low oxygen delivery to the cells and major organs such as the heart and brain. Lowered oxygen delivery means that these tissues within the major organs can become starved (necrotic). Lowered oxygen delivery can cause heart attacks and stroke originating in the brain. The symptoms of poor circulation in the legs are:
- Redness
- Tingling or numbness
- Cold feet
- Discolored skin such as blue tinge underneath nails
- Throbbing or pins and needles
- Pain in the legs
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition affecting the legs that results from blood clots in the deep venous system. This is a serious issue, because a blood clot anywhere in the body, but specifically in the legs, can move upward toward the heart and lungs. Blood clots can occur from being immobile, overweight and having a diet of high fat content, or can result from external injury to the legs.
If and when a blood clot is dislodged from its resting place into the blood stream freely, it runs the risk of blocking off blood flow to other major organs. The symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis can often be silent and are undetected, unless your physician does a full workup.
Symptoms of DVT and Pulmonary emboli:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Coughing up blood
- Swelling of the legs
- Warm throbbing areas in the legs to touch
- Rapid heart rate and pulse resting
To find out if you have DVT, your physician will provide ultrasound Doppler of the legs to get a better look. If caught early, blood thinners will be administered, which prevents life-threatening complications.
Varicose Veins
The most common visible symptom of leg conditions is varicose veins. Varicose veins are bluish green in color and start out as topical veins that become visible to the eye through the skin. Over time varicose veins become enlarged and develop a knotted or twisted look. These varicose veins are painful and are debilitating to those with severe cases. If varicose veins become pronounced, they can be unsightly and difficult to control.
Signs of Varicose Veins:
- Burning sensation in the legs
- Pins and needles on the surface of the skin
- Difficulty walking or pain sitting
- Itching in the affected area
- Skin ulcers
- Restless legs
Prolonged sitting or standing can cause pooling of the blood in the legs, which eventually find an alternative route to the surface veins to make room—varicose veins. Exercise can help decrease the onset of varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to take pressure off these veins.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins:
- Compression Stockings
- ClariVein Treatment
- Sclerotherapy
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
- Surgical removal of the veins
- Ambulatory (or Mini) Phlebectomy
These are the main signs and symptoms for venous diseases and other conditions. Listening to your body and knowing what is abnormal for you personally, can help when changes occur.
Discomfort, heaviness, numbness, burning, restless legs – are all signs that should not be ignored. Set up an appointment with Canada Vein Clinics to catch these issues early, and we will find a long-term solution for healthier legs.
