Vascular disease in the legs of seniors refers to problems with the blood vessels—either the veins or arteries—that supply or drain blood from the legs. Because blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients and for removing waste, any disruption can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. Recognizing these signs early is important to prevent complications and maintain mobility and quality of life.
There are two main types of vascular disease affecting the legs: **venous disease** and **arterial disease**. Each has distinct signs, but some symptoms can overlap.
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### Signs of Venous Disease in Seniors’ Legs
Venous disease involves problems with the veins, which carry blood back to the heart. In seniors, vein walls and valves often weaken with age, causing blood to pool in the legs. This condition is called **chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)** and is common in older adults.
Key signs of venous disease include:
– **Swelling in the lower legs, ankles, or feet:** This swelling often worsens throughout the day and improves with leg elevation. It happens because blood pools in the veins instead of flowing back to the heart efficiently.
– **Aching, heavy, or tired legs:** Seniors may feel a persistent dull ache or heaviness, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.
– **Varicose veins:** These are enlarged, twisted veins visible just under the skin. They may be blue or dark purple and can cause discomfort or itching.
– **Skin changes:** The skin around the ankles or lower legs may become discolored, turning brownish or reddish. The skin can also thicken, become dry, or develop a leathery texture.
– **Itching or tingling sensations:** These sensations can occur due to poor circulation and skin changes.
– **Leg ulcers or sores:** In advanced venous disease, slow-healing wounds or ulcers may develop, especially near the ankles. These ulcers can be painful and prone to infection.
– **Cramping or chronic leg pain:** Some seniors experience muscle cramps or persistent pain related to venous insufficiency.
These symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing or sitting and improve when the legs are elevated or moved.
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### Signs of Arterial Disease in Seniors’ Legs (Peripheral Artery Disease – PAD)
Arterial disease affects the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the legs. In seniors, arteries can narrow or become blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow. This condition is called **peripheral artery disease (PAD)**.
Common signs of PAD include:
– **Leg pain or cramping during walking or exercise (claudication):** This is the hallmark symptom. The pain usually occurs in the calves but can also affect the thighs, buttocks, or feet. It happens because the leg muscles are not getting enough oxygen during activity. The pain typically goes away with rest.
– **Numbness or weakness in the legs:** Reduced blood flow can cause a feeling of heaviness, weakness, or numbness, making walking or standing difficult.
– **Coldness in the lower legs or feet:** The affected limb may feel noticeably cooler than the other side due to poor circulation.
– **Color changes:** The skin on the legs or feet may look pale, bluish, or reddish. The skin may also appear shiny.
– **Slow-growing or absent leg hair and toenails:** Poor blood supply can cause hair loss on the legs and slow nail growth.
– **Weak or absent pulses in the feet or legs:** Doctors may notice a weak pulse when checking the arteries.
– **Non-healing sores or ulcers:** Wounds on the legs or feet that do not heal properly can develop, increasing the risk of infection or gangrene.
– **Nighttime leg pain:** Severe PAD can cause pain that wakes seniors from sleep, indicating critical blood flow problems.