Do you listen to what your body is trying tell you? We take our legs for granted, but here are a few symptoms you should not ignore.
You wake up with leg pain, and hang your legs on the edge of the bed or get out of bed and walk – and the pain magically vanishes.
Walking up hills or stairs causes pain in the legs, but quickly disappears once you rest.
Walking even a short distance causes pain in the legs.
Whilst sitting, you suddenly notice pain in your toes, legs and or feet.
There’s little or no hair on the legs, toenails may not grow normally and lower limbs may feel cool to the touch.
“These symptoms are common symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), says Dr Jason Toniolo, Vascular Surgeon from The Art of Vein Care.
“PAD is very common and impacts about one in 10 people across the board, and about 75% of all people over age 75”.
He says in milder cases preventative measures such as weight loss, smoking cessation, blood thinning medication and keeping diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol in check are important, along with regular monitoring.
“However, severe PAD may require surgery under a local anaesthetic with sedation, such as a balloon angioplasty to push open the walls of the vessel, which is then coated with a drug to prevent build- up of plaque.
“Alternatively, a stent may be permanently placed in the vessel to help blood flow more freely.”
Dr Toniolo says not treating PAD can result in infection, non-healing ulcers, blood clots and less commonly amputation.
“The bottom line is if you’re in any doubt, just check it out.”
Worried about a vascular issue? Need a bulk-billed vascular scan for arterial conditions in Wollongong, Gregory Hills or Orange? Call 02 4601 1055.
All procedures have risks. *Speak to your doctor about your symptoms. All results are individual.