It’s one thing to have sore legs after a leg day at the gym, but sometimes leg discomfort is more than just “tired legs.” When your circulation is compromised, your body often sends signals.
Whether it’s having an ache in your legs after a short walk or noticing changes in how your legs look or feel, these symptoms can point to an underlying vascular issue that you shouldn’t ignore.
How do you know when it’s time to seek vascular care? We’ve got you covered. Here, our team shares seven signs that your legs need a specialist’s attention at Vascular Specialists in Tinley Park, Illinois.
Your arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to your legs, and your veins return oxygen-poor blood to your heart. When either flow is reduced or disrupted, it can lead to a range of symptoms.
Poor circulation may be linked to conditions that affect both your arteries and your veins. For instance, both peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic venous insufficiency can cause poor circulation.
At Vascular Specialists, we aim to identify circulation problems early and help you protect your long-term vascular health. If you spot these seven signs, it’s time to reach out to us.
If you notice cramping, aching, or fatigue in your legs during activity that goes away when you stop, it may be a sign of reduced blood flow. This is known as claudication, and it’s often associated with PAD.
Swelling in your lower legs or ankles can signal that blood isn’t circulating efficiently. That’s because when your veins struggle to return blood to your heart, fluid can build up in your leg tissues.
Changes in skin color — such as redness, darkening, or a bluish tint — can indicate circulation problems. You may also notice shiny skin or hair loss on your legs.
If one leg consistently feels colder than the other, it may be due to reduced blood flow. This is often more noticeable in the lower legs or even your feet.
You need oxygen-rich blood flow to heal wounds. If your legs don’t get adequate blood flow, you might notice that cuts or sores take longer to heal. In severe cases, you may develop ulcers.
While you might assume that varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic issue, the truth is a little more nuanced than that. Bulging, twisted veins or new visible vein patterns can often signal underlying venous issues.
For example, if the one-way valve in your veins doesn’t work quite right, blood can pool and form those tell-tale bulges. This is often seen with chronic venous insufficiency.
Reduced circulation can affect nerve function. This can lead to unusual sensations in your legs, such as tingling, numbness, or a feeling of heaviness.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, especially if they’re getting worse, it’s time to call Vascular Specialists. Your provider assesses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and may use noninvasive vascular ultrasound imaging to evaluate blood flow in your legs.
This allows us to identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Our team treats a wide range of vascular diseases, offering comprehensive care through our Vein Care Institute.
Questions? Give us a call at 815-824-4406 or book an evaluation online today.
