What are leg circulation problems?

The blood vessels in your legs are prone to conditions that affect circulation. Common leg circulation problems include:

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD affects the peripheral arteries, which are the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your extremities, including your legs. PAD means there’s a narrowing or blockage in these arteries from a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel walls, known as atherosclerosis.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

CVI affects circulation in the veins in your legs. It develops when the valves in these veins are damaged, allowing the blood to fall backward and pool. The pooling of the blood further damages the veins, worsening circulation.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein. DVT may develop in any deep vein but most often occurs in the legs. It may affect leg circulation through the affected vein.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins develop when you have valve problems in the veins near the surface of your skin. These veins become visible because the pooling blood causes them to widen and enlarge. 

Varicose veins may be a symptom of CVI.

What are the symptoms of leg circulation problems?

Symptoms of a leg circulation problem may depend on the underlying cause. If you have problems with leg circulation, you may experience:

• Leg pain

• Leg swelling

• Leg pain when walking that goes away when resting (claudication)

• Leg discoloration

• Changes in the growth of leg hair or toenails

• Non-healing leg ulcers

Poor leg circulation may also cause other problems like restless legs syndrome.

What happens during a leg circulation evaluation?

When you visit Commonwealth Vein Center with concerns about leg circulation, the team conducts a thorough examination to find the underlying cause. 

During your exam, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They also perform diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out the cause of your leg circulation problem. Testing may include X-rays, arterial Doppler, vascular ultrasound, or cardiac catheterization.

How is leg circulation treated?

Commonwealth Vein Center customizes treatment for your leg circulation problem based on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

• Diet modification

• Exercise program

• Leg compression stockings

• Weight loss

• Medication to control cholesterol or hypertension

• Wound care

The team may also recommend various procedures to improve leg circulation, such as sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins or balloon angioplasty and stenting for PAD.

Schedule a leg circulation evaluation by calling Commonwealth Vein Center or booking an appointment online today.