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Leg Pain? Doctor Warns: Don't Ignore This Sign
17 Apr
Summary
- Leg pain can be a symptom of serious peripheral arterial disease.
- Arterial disease may cause heart attacks and strokes.
- Symptoms include leg pain during walking that eases with rest.
A medical expert has cautioned against ignoring leg pain, emphasizing it could indicate peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This condition shares similarities with the issues causing heart attacks and strokes, as it involves the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, restricting blood flow.
PAD can manifest as leg pain, particularly when walking, a symptom known as intermittent claudication, which typically subsides with rest. This pain arises from insufficient oxygen reaching the leg muscles, similar to the discomfort experienced during intense exercise.
Visible changes in the legs may also signal PAD. These can include hair loss, cold feet, ulcers that fail to heal due to poor circulation, altered skin tone, and slow-growing toenails. These symptoms collectively point to a diminished blood supply.
Major contributors to PAD include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. While exercise might seem counterintuitive when experiencing pain, it is recommended as it can stimulate new blood vessel growth, improve circulation, and positively impact cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
