Symptoms

Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease symptoms include changes in skin temperature, extremity color, non-healing wounds, numbness or burning in legs or toes. Many patients with peripheral vascular disease have pain in their legs when walking. If you have restricted mobility or severe pain, make an appointment with your physician for a thorough examination.

A blockage in an artery to the legs may cause the following symptoms:

• Coolness of the legs
• Impotence in men
• Loss of hair on toes, feet and legs
• Non-healing wound or gangrene
• Pain in calves, thighs, and/or buttocks during walking and relieved with rest
• Pain in the feet at rest with severe blockage
• Skin discoloration
• Thickening of toenails
• Tingling, numbness in the legs

A sudden blockage in an artery to the legs may cause the following symptoms:

• Coolness
• No pulse
• Numbness or tingling
• Paleness or whiteness
• Paralysis (cannot move)
• Sudden onset of pain

Aneurysms in the leg may not produce any symptoms. However, if symptoms are present, they may include:

• Blue toes
• Pulsating feeling behind the knee

If you notice long-term changes, make an appointment with your physician for a thorough examination. If you are unsure or have concern about your symptoms, seek medical attention. As with any medical condition, it is better to be safe than sorry.