The vascular surgeon reveals what leg pain can be
Especially when persistent, the leg pain It may indicate problems with blood circulation, including thrombosis. However, there are many other factors that can be associated with this discomfort.
“In general, in thrombosis, the pain is unilateral, affects only one limb, and generally manifests itself in the calf region. Furthermore, this condition also triggers other symptoms, such as difficulty in movement, swelling, heat and color change in the affected location “, explains the Dr. Aline Lamaitamember of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.
What could be the leg pain?
According to the doctor, if the pain occurs on both legs, it can hardly mean thrombosis. In these cases, long periods of standing, excessive muscular efforts AND peripheral arterial obstructive disease (DAOP) are among the possible causes.
PAOD is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fatty plaques and loss of flexibility in the walls of arterial vessels.
“In addition to pain in the legs, it can cause fatigue, paleness, decrease in temperature in the lower extremities, loss of hair on the legs and even the appearance of wounds,” lists the specialist.
When there is pain in both legs and sensitivity to touch, the diagnosis can be made lipedemapathology that causes the accumulation of adipose tissue, especially on the hips and legs.
“This accumulation is symmetrical and causes pain to the touch, a greater frequency of spontaneous hematomas and a greater tendency to retain fluids,” adds the vascular surgeon.
Now, if the pain only affects one of your legs, chances are it really is one leg. thrombosis. However, it must be kept in mind that this discomfort can also occur due to tendinitis, cramps, injuries AND muscle strains.
” Inflammation of the sciatic nerve It is a very common cause of leg pain and can affect only one or both sides,” adds Dr. Aline.
A erysipelasAlso, an infection of the lymphatic vessels that develops when bacteria enter the skin through cuts or wounds can be the cause of unilateral leg pain.
“The area may become red, swollen, and warm. Some people also experience fever and chills.”
A infectious cellulitis It can generate symptoms similar to those of erysipelas, but affects the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
How do you know if leg pain is thrombosis?
To find out if the pain in the leg is a thrombosis, as well as evaluating whether it affects only one or both sides, is important try to remember when the discomfort started.
“If the pain occurs after strenuous exercise, for example, it is very likely that it is muscle pain and not thrombosis,” advises Lamaita.
Thrombosis tends to appear after we have been stay in the same position for a long timefor example, during long journeys or hospital stays.
It is also necessary to take into account the presence of other symptoms, such as swelling, Heat, sensitivity, reddish or bluish color in the region AND difficulty moving.
You risk factors of thrombosis include obesity, smoking, hormone use, cancer, pregnancy, old age and varicose veins.
“People who meet these criteria should pay particular attention to leg pain,” he warns.
Look for a doctor
When you feel pain in your legs, the best thing to do is seek medical helpto ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If not managed properly, thrombosis can progress to more serious conditions.
“Pulmonary embolism is the major complication of deep vein thrombosis. In these cases the blood clot characteristic of thrombosis detaches from the wall of the vein and travels through the circulation until it reaches the lung, which can also cause sudden death”, underlines Dr. Alina.
OR treatment of thrombosis according to the vascular surgeon, it may involve the use of anticoagulant drugs and compression stockings.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
