Leg Pain Can Be A Warning Of A Serious Problem! Do Not Ignore The Pain, Even If It’S Not Strong Enough!

Most people think that chest pain is the only pain that is life threatening. But, also leg pain, even if it’s not strong enough, can cause lots of problems.

Are your arteries or veins a ticking time bomb in your body?

Do you suffer from sudden cramp gripping your calf muscle when you go out walking, and gets worse if you speed up ?

The pain does not stop until you sit down and never comes when you are resting ?

Do not ignore the pain, even if it’s not strong enough and it’s more of aneedles-type numbness.

Blocked Blood Vessels

Leg pain and discomfort in the legs could be a clear sign of vascular disease, inflammation and weakness of the veins and arteries caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels.

This leg pain could be a sign that arteries and veins are blocked or weakened. If left untreated, can lead to life-threatening heart attack or stroke and aneurysm ( the artery becomes weak and swollen and may fracture ). In some cases, peripheral artery disease can lead to gangrene and amputation.

Peripheral arterial disease ( PAD ) affects around 9% of the population, while only a quarter of those affected will have any symptoms. Experts speculate that just one out of five patients will die of a heart attack or a stroke.

One of the first symptoms is pain while walking, or painful muscle spasms in the calves thighs or buttocks. Walking uphill and carrying a load can worsen the condition. If you rest, the pain will usually go away in a few minutes. Once you start walking, the pain occurs, which results in greater blood vessels and weakness in the legs. Pain occurs because the leg muscles do not get enough blood.

The sooner you consult a doctor and check up your pulse and pressure in the legs and arms, the damage will be less. The checkup will literally save your life. Physical activity facilitates simple problems and stimulates better circulation in many patients, especially in those that gained some weight.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm ( abnormal swelling of the main artery in the body ) is another potential problem. Around 10 % of patients with peripheral arterial disease have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

This disease usually develops slowly and has no symptoms. Some aneurysms never rupture, and many of them remain small even though it may eventually spread. On the other hand, some spread faster, that can lead to increased risk of rupture.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is difficult to predict. However people may notice a pulsating feeling near the navel, tenderness or pain in the abdomen, chest or back. In case the aorta rupture, there’s just a 20 % chance of surviving, so prevention is the best choice for you. Those who have surgery to repair the aneurysm before it bursts have a 97 % chance of survival.

Prevention – Small Changes Make All The Difference

Start with small changes in your lifestyle, such as doing physical activity, consuming not too much red meat and quit smoking. If your peripheral artery disease is detected early, you can make lifestyle changes to help you manage your disease.

It’s recommendable that patients with grater problems take cholesterol medications or have minor surgery. You should take care of your legs before symptoms appear, and in order to do that you should exercise regularly. This can reduce the risk of disease and significantly prolong life expectancy.