Introduction
If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms in your legs, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. This article will discuss some of the common signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with your legs, as well as provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help keep your legs healthy. We’ll also discuss some of the treatments available for leg problems, so you can get the help you need. By understanding the signs and symptoms of leg problems, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your legs stay healthy and strong.
If You Notice This on Your Body, Have Your Legs Checked
If you notice any changes in your legs, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. Changes in the appearance of your legs can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
One of the most common signs of a medical issue is swelling in the legs. Swelling can be caused by a variety of things, including an injury, infection, or even a blood clot. If you notice that your legs are swollen, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor right away.
Another sign to look out for is discoloration in the legs. Discoloration can be caused by a variety of things, including poor circulation, an infection, or even a blood clot. If you notice any discoloration in your legs, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor right away.
Pain in the legs is also a sign that something may be wrong. Pain can be caused by a variety of things, including an injury, infection, or even a blood clot. If you notice any pain in your legs, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor right away.
Finally, if you notice any changes in the way your legs look or feel, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. Changes in the appearance or feeling of your legs can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Eat This Not That
If you’re looking to keep your legs healthy, there are a few things you can do. Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your legs in good shape. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins, can help keep your legs strong and healthy.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, it’s also important to stay active. Regular exercise can help keep your legs strong and healthy, and can help prevent any medical issues from developing. Walking, running, and swimming are all great ways to stay active and keep your legs in good shape.
Finally, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your legs healthy and can help prevent any medical issues from developing. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your legs in good shape.
Our legs are incredibly powerful in ways most of us don’t think about. Sure we use them to stand, walk, run and jump, but our legs can also warn us of bigger health issues we may not be aware of like cardiovascular disease. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who reveal signs we should pay attention to on our legs and what they could indicate. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Wled Wazni, Director of Stroke at Glendale Memorial Hospital-Dignity Health explains, “Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) or clot formation in the deep veins in your body commonly affects the lower limb. It is a common disorder often seen in people who are wheelchair bound or have underlying blood clotting problems. Signs and symptoms are usually affected on one leg and can include swelling of foot, ankle, or entire leg. In addition, cramping or pain can also occur most typically in the calf. The skin in the affected area can be warm to touch and often may have a reddish skin over the affected area.”
Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, MBBS, Ph.D. Professor of Public Health New Mexico State University adds, “One of the most common vascular diseases is deep venous thrombosis affecting nearly a million Americans every year. It is essentially the result of a blood clot that develops in a deep vein. Lower legs or thighs are the most common locations (but can also occur in the pelvis, intestines, arms, etc.).”
Dr. Khubchandani explains, “The common symptoms are pain, feeling of warmth, skin discoloration, and swelling in the affected leg (usually not seen in both legs). DVT should be concerning as the clots could dislodge from the blood vessels in the legs and travel to lungs (pulmonary embolism). Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication of DVT. The risk factors are well known and many are similar to risk factors for other heart diseases (e.g. age, obesity, smoking, sedentary behaviors, family history, just to name a few).”
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According to Dr. Khubchandani, “Uncommon problems include swelling or pain in pelvis that may be due to Pelvic Congestion Syndrome , musculoskeletal problems, large cysts in the pelvic area, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder or uterus tumors and cysts, and gynecological problems. Sometimes, the obstruction of blood flow may result in leg swelling and pain due to accumulation of tissue fluids. Legs should also be examined and inspected in such cases where pelvic pain or swelling may show unique signs in legs (due to obstruction of blood flow).”
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Another thing to be mindful of is claudication, which John Hopkins Medicine describes as, “pain in your thigh, calf, or buttocks that happens when you walk. It can make you limp. It may be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce the blood flow to your legs. At first, claudication pain occurs when you walk a certain distance and goes away when you rest. But as the disease gets worse, the pain can occur when you walk shorter distances. Over time, you may no longer be able to walk because the pain is so severe. Claudication is linked to health conditions that also increase your risk for heart attack or stroke. So you should be checked and possibly treated for artery disease in other parts of the body.”
Dr. Parham Yashar, MD FACS FAANS Board Certified Neurosurgeon at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital asks, “Do you ever get pain in your legs while walking? That’s an important question to ask for patients who have spinal disease as pain with movement such as ambulation can potentially be a sign of lumbar spinal stenosis as well as inadequate blood flow to the legs. This is a condition known as claudication and patients can either experience vascular claudication or neurogenic claudication.”
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Dr. Khubchandani says, “Many of the diseases that should prompt a leg exam actually originate in or around legs (e.g. infections, inflammation, injury, tumors, neuropathies, and vascular diseases). Many of these diseases are accompanied by severe pain and swelling. Often, blood tests, X-rays, CAT scans, or other diagnostic techniques are warranted to confirm the diagnosis given the wide variety of lower limb problems that initially prompt the leg examinations.”
Dr. Michael Hirt, a Board Certified Nutrition from Harvard University and Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is with The Center for Integrative Medicine in Tarzana California explains, “It is not uncommon for a pair of tight socks to leave a slight impression on your legs once removed. However, if the size of the leg above the sock impression is significantly larger than the size of the leg just below the sock impression, then you may be experiencing edema, or swelling of the legs. Both the heart or kidneys are responsible for managing the fluid levels in your body, and when either or both of them are weak, fluid can build up in your legs. A pair of tight socks will squeeze some of the excess fluid up and over the sock line, causing the upper leg to look much larger than it should otherwise be. Excessive salt intake and prolonged standing can also cause or contribute to this visual effect.”