Leg Pain Could Be Serious
Muscle cramping in your hips, thighs, or calves when you walk, climb stairs, or exercise could be a warning sign of a serious disease called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD affects over 18 million Americans and can lead to amputation and even death if left untreated.
Many Seniors chalk leg pain up to a normal sign of again and dismiss the pain as something else such as Arthritis or Sciatica. Diabetics, especially, can mistake the pain as Neuropathy.
When leg pain in your hip, thigh, or calf strikes, don’t brush it off. When and where is it? Does it stop or lessen when you rest? Does it seem to be in the muscle or the joint? Make a note of when and where the pain occurs and talk to your doctor right away.
Other symptoms of PAD include:
- Constant Leg pain
- Wounds on the foot or toe that are slow to heal
- Dead or decaying tissue on the leg, foot, or toe
- Cold legs or toes compared to the rest of your body
- Slow hair or nail growth on the feet
Take the first step to better health. Tell your doctor if you have any recurring pain in your legs or feet, or if you have other Risk Factors for PAD such as:
- Aged 65 or older
- Aged 50 or older with one or more of the following:
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Family or personal history of heart disease
Patients with PAD are at a high risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Early detection and treatment could save your leg and save your life. Talk to your doctor today!
