Some of the earliest signs of circulation problems often occur in the legs. This is because the legs (particularly the toes and feet) are the farthest away from the heart and are more prone to being affected by vascular problems. Poor circulation can be a result of blood clots or gradual narrowing of the blood vessels.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Signs
One kind of circulation problem that can occur in the legs is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVTs are caused by blood clotting in the veins, and they most commonly occur in the leg. Signs of a DVT include swelling in the leg, especially if it occurs along a vein. Other signs are pain and tenderness in the leg, which is particularly noticeable when you are standing or putting weight on your leg, as well as leg skin that is discolored or reddish, and areas of warmth on the leg. DVTs are particularly common in people who have been sitting for long periods of time, pregnant women and people who have just had surgery.
Signs of Mild Peripheral Artery Disease
Another kind of circulation problem in the legs is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is caused by the arteries becoming partially blocked and narrow, which can be caused by diabetes or atherosclerosis. Some of the earliest signs of PAD are fatigue or a burning pain (similar to muscle cramps or extreme muscle exhaustion) in the legs. These typically occur during exercise or periods of high physical use of the legs (such as walking uphill) and get better with rest. Patients with mild peripheral vascular disease may also have hair loss on their feet and lower legs or a diminished pulse in their lower limbs.
Moderate Peripheral Artery Disease Signs
If PAD goes untreated, it can progress and cause even greater circulation problems in the leg. It can cause numbness and coldness in the feet and lower legs, as well as paleness and coolness of the skin in the legs and feet. If the disease gets very severe, the lower extremities can become so painful that even the weight of a sheet can cause extreme pain. The pain can also become worse when the leg is elevated and will feel better when the leg is dangling (such as over the edge of a bed).
