Beware of leg numbness and acidness, it could be a vascular disease

When the weather is cold, many elderly people experience symptoms of soreness and pain in their legs. Experts from the Vascular Surgery Department of Guangdong Armed Police Hospital (http://www.120.net/yiyuan/4w8s62c4fitods67.html) warn that elderly individuals should not assume that leg pain is merely due to cold-induced "old cold leg," but should also be alert to the possibility that it could be an early symptom of vascular disease.

Experts from Guangdong Armed Police Hospital (http://www.120.net/yiyuan/4w8s62c4fitods67.html) explain that if a person already has issues with arterial hardening, then the energy delivered through the blood vessels ("fuel pipelines") to the lower limbs will decrease. When narrowing reaches a certain level and the blood flow supplied to the lower limbs cannot meet the needs, ischemia in the lower limbs occurs, accompanied by sensations of soreness and pain. "The incidence of arteriosclerosis obliterans in the lower limbs can be as high as 90%, and its early manifestation is soreness. As the condition worsens, pain may appear. Because its symptoms are extremely similar to those caused by leg diseases, many people mistakenly regard it as 'old cold leg.'"

If vascular problems are mistaken for "old cold leg" and treated solely by keeping warm—such as tightly wrapping the legs in multiple layers or self-medicating for "old cold leg"—it not only fails to alleviate leg pain but can also exacerbate insufficient blood supply to the legs, leading to severe cases where amputation becomes necessary. Using warm water bottles or soaking feet in hot water can similarly worsen the condition. Experts from Guangdong Armed Police Hospital explain that when body tissue temperature rises, metabolism accelerates, increasing oxygen consumption, which worsens vascular issues. Some patients may also suffer burns due to reduced skin sensation and insensitivity to heat.

In general, "old cold leg" is mostly related to bone and joint diseases. These conditions cause pain even during rest, especially in the morning, resulting in a "morning stiffness" sensation. Movement and activity can help alleviate stiffness and pain. However, since these are joint-related issues, prolonged activity increases the burden on the joints, causing pain to reappear or worsen. In contrast, lower limb discomfort caused by vascular problems typically appears after physical activity, as this is when all body tissues require energy. If there is insufficient blood supply, the legs cannot receive what they need, making the discomfort more intense.

Guangdong Armed Police Hospital (http://www.120.net/yiyuan/4w8s62c4fitods67.html) reminds elderly friends that if leg pain persists without improvement, they should be cautious about the possibility of vascular disease and seek professional medical diagnosis and treatment.