5 Signs You May Need to See a Vascular Specialist

A vascular specialist touching a leg with varicose veins by Arizona Vein & Laser Institute

Arizona Vein and Laser Institute explains the top five warning signs that indicate it’s time to see a vascular specialist. Your circulatory system works tirelessly to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, but when problems arise with your blood vessels, the consequences can significantly impact your quality of life. Vascular diseases affect millions, yet many people don’t recognize the warning signs until complications develop.

What Does a Vascular Specialist Do?

A vascular specialist is a physician who has received specialized training in diagnosing and treating vascular system diseases. This includes everything from major arteries like the aorta to the smallest capillaries in your extremities. Vascular specialists provide surgical and non-surgical treatments, depending on your specific condition and needs.

Vascular specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including peripheral artery disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, arterial aneurysms, and carotid artery disease. They use advanced diagnostic techniques like vascular ultrasounds, angiograms, and other imaging studies to accurately diagnose vascular problems.

When Should You See a Vascular Specialist?

Seeing a vascular specialist can save your life. Below, we list the top five warning signs that indicate it’s time to see a vascular specialist. Reach out to us if you have questions.

1. Persistent Leg Pain or Cramping, Especially When Walking

If you experience leg pain, cramping, or fatigue that occurs consistently when you walk or climb stairs and improves with rest, this could be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD develops when plaque builds up in the arteries supplying blood to your legs, reducing blood flow to your muscles.

The pain, known as claudication, typically affects your calves, thighs, or buttocks and follows a predictable pattern of starting after walking a certain distance and goes away when you rest. Some people describe it as cramping, aching, or tired feeling in their leg muscles.

PAD affects over 8 million Americans and can significantly limit your mobility if left untreated. More concerning, having PAD increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, as it often indicates widespread arterial disease throughout your body.

2. Swelling, Skin Changes, or Discoloration in Your Legs

Chronic swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, particularly when accompanied by skin changes, may indicate venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when the valves in your leg veins don’t work properly, causing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back to your heart. Look for these warning signs:

Persistent swelling that’s worse at the end of the day
Skin that appears darker, reddish, or brownish
Skin that feels tight, itchy, or painful
Visible varicose veins or spider veins
A feeling of heaviness or aching in your legs

Venous insufficiency can progress to more serious complications, including skin ulcers and blood clots, if not properly treated. Early intervention can prevent these complications and significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.

3. Non-Healing Wounds or Slow-Healing Sores

Wounds on your legs, feet, or ankles that heal slowly or don’t heal at all are a serious warning sign that requires immediate attention from a vascular specialist. Poor circulation can severely impair your body’s natural healing process, leading to chronic wounds that may become infected. These wounds, often called arterial or venous ulcers, typically appear as:

Open sores that persist for weeks or months
Wounds that seem to be getting larger rather than smaller
Sores with irregular edges or unusual appearance
Painful areas, especially arterial ulcers
Wounds that repeatedly become infected

Non-healing wounds can lead to serious complications, including severe infections and, in extreme cases, the need for amputation. A vascular specialist can assess the blood flow to the affected area and recommend treatments to improve circulation and promote healing.

4. Cold Hands or Feet with Weak or Absent Pulses

If your hands or feet frequently feel cold to the touch, appear pale or bluish, or if you experience weak or absent pulses in these areas, it may indicate reduced blood flow. While some people naturally have cold extremities, persistent coldness and other symptoms warrant evaluation. Additional concerning symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
Pain in your hands or feet, especially at rest
Changes in skin color when exposed to cold
Weak or missing pulses at your wrists or ankles
Slow-healing minor cuts or scrapes on your extremities

These symptoms can be associated with various vascular conditions, including PAD, Raynaud’s disease, or other circulation disorders. A vascular specialist can perform tests to measure blood flow and determine the underlying cause.

5. Sudden Onset of Severe Symptoms

Certain vascular symptoms require immediate medical attention and shouldn’t wait for a scheduled appointment. Seek emergency care if you experience:

Sudden, severe leg pain with coldness and numbness
Sudden loss of pulse in an arm or leg
Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain
Sudden difficulty speaking, vision changes, or severe headache

These symptoms could indicate serious conditions like blood clots, arterial blockages, aneurysm rupture, or stroke, all of which require immediate treatment.

Why See a Vascular Specialist?

Vascular diseases often develop gradually, and many people adapt to their symptoms without realizing they have a treatable condition. Many vascular conditions can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures when caught early. Waiting until symptoms become severe often limits treatment options and may require more extensive interventions. It’s essential to see a vascular specialist to:

Prevent progression to more serious complications
Improve your symptoms and quality of life
Reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events
Preserve limb function and prevent amputation
Offer less invasive treatment options

Taking Action for Your Vascular Health

Arizona Vein and Laser Institute is here to help boost your vascular health. We understand your vascular health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, affecting everything from your ability to walk comfortably to your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above, don’t wait to seek evaluation from a qualified vascular specialist. Reach out to our team today to schedule a consultation.