5 Vascular Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore This Halloween

Don’t Let Vascular Problems Spook You This Halloween

Halloween is the season for ghosts, goblins, spooky decorations and things that go bump in the night. But when it comes to our health, some of the scariest things are the warning signs we may sometimes choose to ignore.

 

Your vascular system carries blood throughout your body through an extensive network of arteries and veins. When something interferes with that circulation, your body may give you clues — and recognizing them can be an important first step toward getting the care you need.

 

Here are a few vascular warning signs that shouldn’t be hiding in the shadows this Halloween season:

1. Leg Pain When You Walk

Do your calves, thighs or buttocks begin to ache or cramp when you walk, only to feel better after you stop and rest?

It may be easy to blame getting older, arthritis or being out of shape, but recurring leg discomfort with activity can sometimes be associated with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

PAD occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the extremities, most commonly the legs. Because PAD can develop gradually, some people may overlook the symptoms for years.

Recurring leg pain with activity deserves attention — not a place in the closet with the Halloween decorations.

 

2. Aching, Heavy or Swollen Legs

After a long day, tired legs aren’t unusual. But frequent aching, heaviness, swelling, burning, itching or throbbing can sometimes point to an underlying vein problem.

Venous reflux, also called venous insufficiency, occurs when valves inside the leg veins don’t function properly. Instead of efficiently moving blood back toward the heart, blood can pool in the legs and increase pressure within the veins.

Over time, this may contribute to swelling, discomfort, skin changes and varicose veins.

 

 

3. Bulging or Twisted Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can certainly be a cosmetic concern, but sometimes there is more going on beneath the surface.

Varicose veins develop when veins become enlarged and blood pools within them. They may appear blue or purple and look twisted, raised or rope-like.

If varicose veins are accompanied by aching, heaviness, swelling, burning, itching or other symptoms, a vascular evaluation can help determine whether an underlying circulation problem is contributing to them.

In other words, don’t let appearances fool you. Halloween is for disguises — your vascular health shouldn’t be.

 

4. Changes in the Skin or Wounds That Are Slow to Heal

Changes in the skin of your legs and feet can sometimes provide important clues about circulation.

Persistent discoloration, swelling, changes in skin texture or sores that are slow to heal should not simply be ignored. Problems involving either arterial or venous circulation can affect the health of the tissues in the lower extremities.

If something isn’t healing the way you expect, it may be time to have it evaluated.

 

5. Symptoms That Keep Coming Back

Perhaps the most important warning sign is simply a symptom that won’t go away.

We all experience occasional aches, swelling and discomfort. But when symptoms become persistent, repeatedly return or begin interfering with your normal activities, it’s worth finding out why.

You don’t have to diagnose the problem yourself. That’s what we’re here for.

 

 

 

 

Take the Scare Out of Vascular Care

At the Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons, our team evaluates and treats a wide range of arterial and venous conditions. Our vascular surgeons and experienced staff use advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options to help patients understand what’s happening with their circulation and determine the appropriate next step.

So enjoy the costumes. Enjoy the decorations. Enjoy the trick-or-treaters.

But if your legs have been sending you a message, don’t be afraid to listen.

 

This Halloween, let the ghosts do the haunting — not your vascular symptoms.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, varicose veins or other symptoms that may be related to your circulation, contact the Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons to schedule a consultation.

Call 239-344-7061.

 

We proudly serve patients from throughout Southwest Florida at our Fort Myers and Cape Coral locations

Healthy. Active. Beautiful.