What Are the Early Symptoms of Lower Limb Arteriosclerotic Occlusive Disease?

Early-stage lower limb arterial sclerosis and occlusion may present with intermittent claudication, coldness in the lower limbs, changes in skin color, limb numbness, and diminished dorsalis pedis pulse. Symptoms are typically mild and often mistaken for ordinary fatigue or cold exposure. If persistent lower limb pain or skin ulceration occurs, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.

1. Intermittent Claudication:

After walking a certain distance, patients experience aching or painful discomfort in the lower limbs; symptoms subside after brief rest but recur upon resuming walking. Inadequate blood supply leads to insufficient oxygen delivery to muscles, and physical activity further increases oxygen demand in the affected limbs.

2. Coldness in the Lower Limbs:

Coolness may affect one or both legs and feet, becoming more pronounced during seasonal transitions or upon exposure to cold air. Narrowing of the arterial lumen reduces blood flow to distal extremities, resulting in diminished cutaneous perfusion and consequent drop in skin temperature.

3. Changes in Skin Color:

The skin of the lower limbs may appear pale or cyanotic, with color changes becoming more evident when the leg is elevated. Reduced circulation impairs peripheral tissue perfusion, altering capillary filling in the superficial skin layers.

4. Limb Numbness:

Numbness commonly affects the calf or foot, occasionally accompanied by mild paresthesia; discomfort tends to be more noticeable at rest. Insufficient blood supply compromises neural tissue nutrition, impairing nerve conduction and leading to abnormal sensory signals.

5. Diminished Dorsalis Pedis Pulse:

Palpation of the dorsalis pedis artery reveals weakened pulsation; asymmetry between the two limbs is often readily apparent. Arterial stiffening and stenosis restrict transmission of pulsatile pressure waves, serving as an objective clinical sign of vascular pathology.

In daily life, maintain warmth in the lower limbs, engage in gentle walking exercises, limit dietary intake of fats and salt, monitor blood glucose and lipid levels, and avoid trauma or injury to the lower extremities—these measures help slow the progression of arterial sclerosis.