Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Symptoms

Lower limb arteriosclerosis is a chronic progressive disease, most commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly populations, especially those with diabetes, hypertension, and smokers. The incidence rate is higher in European and American countries due to aging and poor lifestyle habits, leading to a significant disease burden. In Southeast Asia, with changing lifestyles, the number of patients has been increasing year by year, but early diagnosis and treatment awareness remain insufficient, leading to disease progression in many patients.

Detailed Symptoms of Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis

1. Intermittent Claudication
Patients experience pain or a feeling of heaviness in the calf muscles while walking, which alleviates after resting. This symptom is a typical manifestation of insufficient blood supply caused by narrowed vessels, impacting the patient's mobility.

2. Rest Pain
As the condition worsens, patients experience pain even at rest, often at night, severely affecting sleep quality and overall quality of life.

3. Skin Changes
The skin on the affected limb appears pale and cold, with sparse or fallen hair and brittle nails, indicating long-term insufficient blood supply.

4. Sensory Abnormalities
Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation often accompany lower limb ischemia, indicating nerve dysfunction.

5. Ulcers and Necrosis
Severe ischemia leads to non-healing skin ulcers, with a high risk of infection. This can ultimately result in tissue necrosis or even amputation.

6. Muscle Atrophy
Long-term insufficient blood supply leads to muscle malnutrition, resulting in reduced muscle mass and impaired limb strength.

7. Weak or Absent Pulse
The arterial pulse in the affected area is weak or absent, which is an important clinical diagnostic indicator.

8. Lower Limb Fatigue
Patients often feel weakness and heaviness in the lower limbs, especially after physical activity, which limits daily life.

9. Increased Pain and Decreased Walking Distance
As the condition progresses, pain intensifies, and the patient’s walking distance significantly decreases, potentially leading to mobility difficulties.

Conclusion

The symptoms of lower limb arteriosclerosis are diverse and often overlooked. Timely recognition is critical to prevent severe complications. Experts from Life International Medical Center remind patients to pay attention to early symptom manifestations and seek medical treatment early for comprehensive care, including advanced treatments such as stem cell therapy, to improve blood circulation, reduce limb damage, and enhance quality of life.