When you feel pain, your body is telling you that something is wrong. Leg pain is something that you should not ignore. While not all leg pain is serious, sometimes it can be. Pain can be a response to any of the muscles, bones, and veins found in your legs. If you have pain in your legs, you should speak with a doctor to figure out what the problem could be. Your leg pain may be a sign of vascular issues.
Vascular is a scientific term used to describe something related to arteries or veins. The vascular system, also known as the circulatory system in human anatomy, supplies oxygen and removes waste throughout the body. If there are issues in the circulatory system, parts of your body may not receive oxygen or waste may be removed, which can harm you. There are some signs to look for that may indicate a bigger vascular problem in your lower body.
Swelling is a sign that there is a problem in or around the affected area. There are two reasons that swelling occurs: inflammation or edema. Inflammation is caused by tissues in your body being irritated due to injury or infection. Edema occurs when parts of your body, such as blood vessels or tissues, hold excessive fluid. Although swelling is not always a serious issue, you should be cautious if you have swelling to the point that one leg is noticeably different or larger than the other. This swelling also lets you know that oxygen or blood may be having a hard time getting to the desired destination.
Skin changes are another sign that there may be a vascular issue in your legs. Skin changes can include discoloration and/ or texture. Discoloration in the legs is a sign that there are issues with the veins and can also be a circulation issue. If the texture of the skin on your legs changes, it can be a sign of vascular problems as well.
Numbness in your lower limbs is a big concern because it can indicate a lack of blood supply to the lower body or possible nerve damage. If you feel a faint pulse in your lower body or if you cannot find it at all, that may indicate circulation issues. You should contact a medical professional if you have pain in the legs and also exhibit swelling, skin changes, or numbness.
How to prevent vascular issues in your legs?
People with a family history of vascular issues are more likely to experience these problems. Even so, there are ways to prevent or decrease your chances of dealing with circulatory concerns, especially in your legs:
South Valley Vascular can provide you with information about vascular issues, painful legs, and much more. Visit our website to learn more. Our phone number is (559) 625-4118, so call us today to set up an appointment. We can help you with all of your vascular needs.