Effective circulation in the legs depends on healthy arteries and veins to carry the blood to the limbs and return it to the heart. Any condition that causes pressure on the pelvis and lower legs, such as obesity, pregnancy, lengthy travel or standing for long periods, can impede blood flow, states MedlinePlus. Disease of the liver, heart or kidneys, as well as injuries, blood clots and hardening of the arteries, also can affect circulation in the legs. Symptoms depend on the source of the problem.
Changes in Appearance
Patients with circulatory problems may notice changes in the appearance of the legs, depending upon the cause of the problem. Varicose veins, caused by faulty valves in the vein, appear ropey, blue and crooked, according to WomensHealth.gov. When arterial blood supply to the foot is partially blocked, the skin may be dry, scaly, cracked, hairless or shiny and the nails may not grow normally, reports The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Changes in Temperature
When an artery in the leg becomes blocked, the extremity becomes pale, cold and numb, according to Merck. The symptoms appear suddenly and require emergency medical attention. No pulse can be felt below the blockage.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom in patients with circulation problems in the leg. Varicose veins cause aching, throbbing or cramping that worsens after sitting or standing for a long time, according to WomensHealth.gov. An arterial blockage in the leg causes sudden, severe pain, according to Merck. Intermittent claudication, a common symptom when the artery in a leg narrows, causes pain, aching, cramping or muscle fatigue in the calf, buttock, thigh or hip. As the condition worsens, the pain continues when the patient is at rest, explains Merck.
Swelling
Peripheral edema---fluid built up in the arms or legs---occurs for a number of medical reasons, including circulatory problems. When blood does not return to the heart efficiently, waste products and fluids build up in the legs, calves, feet, ankles and even the thighs. Circulatory disorders such as blood clots, varicose veins and venous insufficiency can cause swelling in one or both legs, reports WomensHealth.gov.
Ulcers
Two types of sores or ulcers may form due to poor circulation in the legs. Venous stasis ulcers are caused by ineffective valves in the veins that allow blood to back up in the lower extremities, causing red, draining, irregularly shaped sores on the insides of the legs, according to MedlinePlus. Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, causes arterial ulcers that form on the feet, especially the heels; between the toes; and in the nail beds, MedlinePlus explains. Arterial ulcers may be yellow, gray, brown or black sores that are most painful at night. The affected foot may turn red when dangled and become pale white or yellow when raised.
Dermatitis
Poor circulation in the legs causes waste products and excess fluid to build up. The tissues become malnourished and the skin becomes thin, spotty, itchy and irritated, states MedlinePlus. Dermatitis is most noticeable in the legs and ankles because they lack padding and supportive tissue.
