According to experts, there are a number of main symptoms that appear on the legs, which should be paid attention to as they may indicate the presence of more serious health conditions.
1. Thick ankle
If you develop swelling that suddenly gives your ankles a thicker appearance, it may be caused by a buildup of fluid in these areas, called edema.
According to the NHS, you may be more likely to develop oedema if you spend a lot of time standing or sitting in the same position or eat a lot of salty food.
But being overweight, pregnant, taking blood pressure medications, birth control pills, hormone therapy, or antidepressants can also cause swollen ankles, as can injuries, insect bites, and even warmer weather.
A doctor should be consulted if the leg swells, as this may be due to kidney, liver or heart problems, a blood clot, malnutrition, thyroid disorders or anemia.
2. Leg pain
We’ve all had the odd leg cramp, but if you feel pain in your legs when you walk or exercise, along with numbness or weakness in your legs, blue spots on your skin, and sores on your legs or feet that don’t heal well, they could be signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
This blockage in blood flow to your leg muscles causes your arteries to harden and narrow due to sticky cholesterol and fat deposits called plaques, says Dr. Harvard Health.
You should see a doctor if you experience frequent leg pain during exercise.
3. Tingling sensation
It’s very common to feel tingling in your legs after sitting for a long time. But numbness, tingling or burning in your feet and legs is something to look out for if you have diabetes, as it could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy.
In this case, type 1 or type 2 diabetes causes nerve damage.
High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels that supply nerves in your body over time, preventing essential nutrients from reaching the nerves.
Diabetic neuropathy can be helped by keeping blood sugar levels low.
If you experience itching and tingling at night, it could mean you have restless legs syndrome.
4. Curly leg
Cellulite occurs when the skin on the thighs and buttocks looks dimpled or like an orange peel. It is very common and there is no need to worry or be embarrassed about it.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cellulite refers to clumps of fat that press against the connective tissue under the skin. Many people start to notice it during puberty, but aging or gaining weight can make cellulite more noticeable.
In some cases, wrinkled skin can be a sign of a condition called lipedema, an abnormal buildup of fat. The condition tends to be more common in women. You should see a doctor if you have symptoms of lipedema.
5. Visible veins
Swollen, prominent veins in your legs under the skin can mean you have varicose veins, and sometimes cause other symptoms in your legs, such as:
– Pain, aching, or feeling of heaviness
– Skin changes, such as itching, discoloration, or dry, flaky skin
– Swelling of the ankles or legs
Anyone can get varicose veins, but they may be more common in women, older people, those who are overweight, or pregnant.
Standing or sitting for long periods of time can make the condition worse. It may also make varicose veins more susceptible to ulcers and blood clots in the legs.
6. Leg hair loss
If you notice some hair loss on your legs, this could be another sign of peripheral artery disease.
Other symptoms to watch out for include:
– Numbness or weakness in the legs
– Brittle, slow-growing toenails
– Open sores on your feet and legs that don’t heal
– Change in skin color on the legs, such as becoming lighter than usual or blue, which may be difficult to see on brown and black skin
– shiny skin
– Muscle cramps in the legs
Symptoms of peripheral artery disease often develop slowly, over time, but if symptoms develop quickly or suddenly get worse, it may be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate treatment.
Source: The Sun
#legs #health
2024-08-02 20:32:58
