New Delhi: Discomfort in the legs usually manifests as fatigue, strain, or a fleeting condition; however, any manifestation of leg pains, numbness, or swelling constitutes a significant warning of the possible effects of poor circulation of blood in the body. These symptoms of impaired circulation of blood are significant since poor circulation of blood poses a lot of danger to the body if not addressed in time.
In an interaction with News9Live, Prof. (Dr.) Digvijay Sharma, Associate Director, Vascular Surgery & Interventions, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained how obstruction in blood circulation can result in concerning symptoms ranging from swelling to numbness and more.
Blood flow in the legs requires two essential factors, which are arterial flow and venous flow. Arterial flow involves the arteries carrying oxygenated blood to the legs from the heart, while veins handle the deoxygenated blood, taking it back to the heart. Any problem in these systems can cause significant signs.
Pain and numbness are usually present as side effects of low arterial inflow. When there is a blockage or reduction in arterial flow into the legs, the arterial supply to the legs is impaired. The first sign of poor arterial supply is that one experiences pain that occurs when one walks over a certain distance. The pain stops when one rests. This is called intermittent claudication. Ignoring this symptom often occurs because one does not take pain seriously if it does not last long. The pain stops immediately when one stops moving. Numbness can also be ignored if it does not last long. The signs may be an indication that something is wrong with the supply of blood to the legs.
Swelling in the legs, on the other hand, is commonly a result of inadequate venous outflow. In this regard, the veins have to function and move to ensure that blood flows back to the heart. However, when the veins are compromised in any way, blood will accumulate in the legs and cause swelling. While the swelling may be noticed at the end of the day and then disappear after resting, this should not be taken to mean that the swelling is harmless to one’s health.
This is because these signs are often disregarded, given that most of these diseases are experienced/stretching temporarily rather than being experienced/stretching permanently. Note that pain resulting from temporary conditions, such as walking and numbness resulting from temporary conditions, such as swelling, may not appear to be a serious health issue at first.
Poor arterial circulation, if left unaddressed, will lead to progressive tissue damage. In extreme cases, diminished blood flow could result in non-healing wounds, infections, and even the involvement of the limb. Fortunately, early detection by a healthcare professional can help avoid these complications thanks to timely intervention and changes in lifestyle.
The problems with venous circulation also hold serious risks. One of the most dangerous conditions to develop is deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot within the deep veins of the leg. DVT can cause lasting damage to the leg because of the chronic swelling, skin discoloration, skin quality, and propensity toward injury. More dangerously, if the clots travel upward to the lungs, pulmonary embolism may occur, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Anytime these three symptoms of leg pain, numbness, and swelling all appear, they should be considered a strong warning sign of circulatory compromise. If only one is present but frequently recurs, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. The more prompt the diagnosis through clinical examination and appropriate tests, the better the possibility of ascertaining whether the problem lies with the arteries, the veins, or both.
In summary, these symptoms, such as leg pain, numbness, and swelling, should not be overlooked. They may also be the early warning signs of poor blood circulation in the body. These are warning signs that demand attention to help prevent serious complications that can protect the health of limbs and even save lives sometimes through appropriate and timely medical advice.