Take our PAD Risk Assessment now: TAKE THE QUIZ

Take our PAD Risk Assessment now: TAKE THE QUIZ

Font Size:
  • Schedule
    Online
  • Find a
    Location

Why Do My Legs Feel Weak?

Are you experiencing numbness or weakness in your legs? These issues may indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), a serious health condition that can negatively impact your mobility and overall quality of life. PAD can also place you at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and limb amputation. 

PAD develops when plaque builds up within the arteries leading to the lower extremities. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. When plaque accumulation occurs, the affected arteries can become narrowed or completely blocked. As a result, your legs may not receive enough blood, oxygen, or nutrients. This can lead to numbness or weakness in legs, along with a range of additional symptoms.

If you notice PAD symptoms in your legs like pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness, we recommend contacting a vascular specialist as soon as possible. The good news is that specialized PAD treatment can help you regain mobility, alleviate painful symptoms, and reduce your risk of developing dangerous health issues. 

SCHEDULE ONLINE NOW

What Causes Weakness in Legs?

There are many health conditions that cause weakness in legs. Some of these include stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and spinal tumors. Additionally, you may experience weakness or numbness in your legs due to a slipped disc or pinched nerve.

As mentioned above, peripheral artery disease is another potential cause of numbness or weakness in legs. PAD can also cause a range of symptoms affecting the lower extremities, including:

  • Leg pain
  • Skin discoloration 
  • Poor leg hair or toenail growth
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Leg fatigue or heaviness
  • Cramping in the thigh, buttocks, calf muscle, or foot
  • Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
  • Pain that stops when at rest
  • Restlessness in the feet or legs that disturbs sleep
  • Shiny, dry skin on the legs
  • Slow or non-healing wounds
  • One leg that is cooler than the other 
  • Cold or numb toes

If you notice any of the above issues, we recommend contacting your doctor or a vascular specialist to receive a full medical evaluation.

OUR DOCTORS

Peripheral Artery Disease Lower Extremity Numbness and Weakness

It is important to keep in mind that when it comes to PAD, legs are not the only area of the body affected. PAD-related numbness and weakness can also impact your feet and toes. Additionally, some men experience erectile dysfunction.

Treating Numbness and Weakness in The Legs Caused by PAD

Fortunately, non-surgical treatment can help alleviate weakness and numbness in legs caused by PAD. At USA Vascular Centers, our vascular specialists offer treatments that aim to improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms of PAD in lower legs or other lower extremities. 

First and foremost, we want you to be aware that your lifestyle choices can influence the development and progression of peripheral artery disease. If you have PAD, we generally recommend that you:

  • Get more physical activity
  • Eat a healthier diet
  • Lose excess weight
  • Quit smoking
  • Manage related health issues like diabetes and high cholesterol
  • Be aware of your family’s history of vascular disease

Along with identifying helpful lifestyle changes, our experts may prescribe medications that help promote better blood flow. It is important to take your medications exactly as prescribed by your physician. 

Finally, one of our vascular specialists may recommend a special treatment such as atherectomy or stent angioplasty. These non-surgical PAD treatments can open up narrow or blocked arteries so that blood can flow more freely to your legs and feet. When blood is able to circulate through your lower extremities, leg numbness, weakness, and other symptoms should reduce significantly.

We believe that following the right treatment plan can go a long way toward resolving PAD symptoms like weakness and numbness in legs. Our goal is to provide personalized treatment for PAD that can help improve the quality of your life. 

Schedule a Consultation With USA Vascular Today

More than eight million people aged 40 and older in the United States have PAD. If you are experiencing leg numbness, leg weakness, or other potential signs of PAD, we urge you to contact your doctor promptly. Numbness and weakness in the legs are not normal signs of aging. PAD is considered to be a progressive condition, with symptoms becoming more severe over time. To avoid a worsening condition, your leg numbness or weakness should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. 

At USA Vascular Centers, our top priority is to improve your vascular health through non-surgical, outpatient methods. Our nationwide network of 40+ treatment centers offers safe and effective vascular treatment options. For your convenience, we are also able to provide an initial telemedicine consultation. 

To learn more about how we can help improve your mobility and quality of life, schedule an appointment today. We look forward to meeting you and helping you get back to a healthier, more active life.

Scroll to Top