What Your Legs Might Be Telling You: 7 Early Signs of Poor Circulation You Shouldn't Ignore

"Many people experience tired legs, swelling, or cramps without realising these may be early signs of poor circulation. While some symptoms may seem harmless at first, they can signal underlying vein issues such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, or even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). At UK Vein Care, we help patients daily who didn't recognise these signals early enough. Spotting the warning signs is the first step toward healthier legs."

"Heavy or achy legs, especially in the evening If your legs regularly feel heavy, tired, or achy-particularly after a long day-this could be due to reduced venous return. When blood struggles to flow efficiently back to the heart, pressure builds in the legs. We explore this further in our article on what it means when your legs feel heavy. Swollen feet or ankles Persistent swelling, especially around the lower legs, can indicate fluid retention caused by poor circulation."

"Pain when walking that eases with rest If you feel discomfort or cramping in your legs while walking, which disappears once you stop, this could be a sign of peripheral arterial disease. It's important not to ignore symptoms that repeat. Redness, warmth, or tenderness in one leg These may be early signs of a blood clot. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can present subtly at first, but it can become life-threatening if left untreated."

Symptoms such as heavy or achy legs, persistent swelling of feet or ankles, visible spider veins, night-time leg cramps, walking-induced leg pain, localized redness, warmth or tenderness, and new bulging varicose veins can indicate compromised venous or arterial circulation. Reduced venous return and weakened vein valves allow blood pooling and fluid retention, causing pressure, discomfort, and cramps from limited oxygen to muscles. Pain during walking that eases with rest suggests peripheral arterial disease. Redness, warmth, and tenderness in a single leg can indicate deep vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening blood clot that requires prompt medical attention.

Read at Business Matters