Leg pain is a common indication of vascular disease, but everyone’s experience is different. Your leg discomfort could be minor or serious. You might experience pain while at rest or exercising. As the pain occurs occasionally, it is easy to disregard it and wait for it to subside. Unfortunately, overlooking leg pain is never a wise choice. If your leg pain is due to a vascular illness and you do not obtain care, you will likely develop circulation issues and potentially severe complications. At Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy (MINT), Goke Akinwande, MD, focuses on unearthing the root cause of your leg pain and designing a customized care plan for you to address the pain. Arrange a screening for your St. Louis leg pain by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
What Are Vascular Illnesses Likely to Cause Leg Pain?
Vascular disorders that prevent blood from flowing freely through the veins and arteries can cause leg pain. These include:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Varicose veins and venous insufficiency
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Spider veins
5 Reasons Why Leg Pain Should Not Be Ignored
It is never a good idea to overlook leg pain, despite how much you wish it would subside by itself. The following are some of the reasons why you should report leg pain to Dr. Akinwande:
1) DVT Necessitates Immediate Clinical Attention
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that could break loose and move to your lungs; thus, obstructing blood flow. This health concern, known as pulmonary embolism, is a life-threatening illness that requires immediate medical attention.
2) Unmanaged PAD Could Result in Amputation
According to studies, 11% of people with unmanaged PAD have critical limb ischemia, whereas 22% of those who acquire ischemia will require amputation in a year.
Critical limb ischemia develops once PAD creates a significant blockage in the artery. The lack of oxygenated blood results in tissues deterioration and gangrene.
3) PAD And Venous Insufficiency Cause Leg Ulcers
Venous insufficiency causes a rise in vein pressure. Fluids are forced outside the vein and into the surrounding skin by increased pressure. These fluids eventually destroy the tissues, resulting in a venous ulcer.
On the other hand, PAD triggers arterial ulcers. The depleted oxygen levels in the skin cause deterioration and deep ulcers.
Both leg ulcers are dangerous since they do not resolve by themselves. Without comprehensive care at Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy, the ulcers continue growing. Eventually, you suffer bone and skin infections that enhance your likelihood of amputation.
4) PAD Is Indicative of a Bigger Cardiovascular Illness
Persons with PAD are also at an increased risk of atherosclerosis in other arteries. There is a high likelihood your carotid, cerebral, or coronary arteries are also blocked.
5) Venous Insufficiency and PAD Symptoms Extend Past Leg Pain
The vascular illness affects leg muscles and blood vessels in more ways than one. If you do not seek professional care, you may suffer:
- Diminished leg strength
- Damage to skeletal muscles
- Ischemic peripheral neuropathy
- Loss of equilibrium
- Reduced walking speed
- Rashes on your lower thigh that seem like eczema
Continuous vascular illnesses cause a gradual but consistent deterioration in overall function as well as mobility loss.
If you require expert help with your leg pain, contact Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy (MINT). Schedule an initial consultation through mobile or book online to get started right away.