Things to Consider: Vascular Conditions and Managing Leg Swelling for Improved Mobility

The term “vascular conditions” encompasses a wide range of medical disorders affecting the veins and arteries that are responsible for carrying blood around the body. The consequences of reduced blood flow include pain, inflammation, and mobility problems. Vascular conditions can also increase the risk of serious and even life-threatening conditions such as stroke and heart attack.

More than four million people in the UK are living with some form of circulatory disorder, and the risk factor increases as we get older. Vascular conditions fall into three broad categories:

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common vascular conditions, which is an accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the artery walls. The condition leads to narrowing of veins and reduced blood flow.

This can in turn trigger a range of arterial disorders including peripheral artery disease, affecting blood flow to the legs and feet, or carotid artery disease, which affects the arteries supplying the brain. Atherosclerosis can also be the root cause of other vascular conditions such as renal artery disease, which affects the kidneys, and Raynaud's Phenomenon, a disorder that causes blood vessels to narrow when you are cold or feeling stressed.

Venous diseases form another common type of vascular condition. These occur when the valves controlling blood flow become damaged, allowing blood to pool within the vein.

Venous diseases include varicose veins, which are swollen or twisted veins that are visible just below the skin, and spider veins, small red or purple bursts on the knees, calves, or thighs that are caused by swollen capillaries.

Blood clots are another type of vascular condition we need to consider. When blood coagulates into a clot within the vein, it can lead to blockages and serious consequences including stroke, thrombosis, or embolism.

For example, deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, while a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks an artery.

Symptoms of common vascular conditions

The symptoms of vascular disease vary depending on the type of condition.

• People with peripheral artery disease experience leg pain or cramps that are worse when active but tend to improve with rest, along with changes in skin colour, sores, or ulcers.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon causes throbbing, tingling, or redness in the fingers and toes.
• Carotid artery disease does not usually exhibit any symptoms until having a stroke or transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke).
• Venous diseases such as varicose veins or spider veins are usually self-evident due to swollen or visible veins and might also cause pain or tenderness.
• Deep vein thrombosis causes pain, swelling, and warmth in the leg accompanied by red skin.
• A pulmonary embolism can cause chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath.

Living aids to help impaired mobility from vascular conditions

Vascular conditions can make it harder to get about, causing discomfort or unsteadiness when you stand or walk. They can also lead to difficulty in performing everyday tasks such as taking a shower or tending the garden.

But with the right mobility and living aids, millions of people with vascular conditions live independent and rewarding lives. The types of aids you might need depend on the type and severity of the condition, and you should also speak to a doctor or healthcare professional for advice. However, the following are likely to be useful:

A cane or walking stick provides both physical and psychological support so you are less likely to fall and more confident when walking. Consider a quad cane for extra stability, and if you are a keen hiker or rambler, the Treka walking stick is perfect. 

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are ideal for more serious conditions or for those who find it difficult or painful to walk more than a short distance. A powerchair takes all the effort out of getting around and means you do not need to rely on an attendant or propel the chair with your hands.

Transfer aids help you to get safely from place to place, for example, getting up from your chair or transferring from a wheelchair to a car.

Grab rails are a quick and low-cost investment that make the home a safer place by providing extra support. Consider adding them in high-risk areas such as near steps or in the bathroom.

Riser chairs take the discomfort out of lowering yourself into and out of your armchair and make the process safer. One that incorporates a riser recliner and footrest is likely to be a good choice for many vascular conditions, as you can raise your legs to facilitate better circulation.

Management and treatment of vascular conditions

Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments, medication, and therapy depending on the type of vascular condition and your personal circumstances. That’s why it is so important to seek professional medical advice if you are experiencing any of the symptoms we mentioned earlier.

Eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise help alleviate the symptoms of many vascular conditions. For others, you might need to take medicine, and in some cases, there are even surgical procedures that might be recommended. But the good news is there is plenty that can be done to treat vascular conditions, and these, in combination with the right living aids, can help you manage them effectively.

For more advice on how our mobility aids can assist you, please visit one of our showrooms, or call our mobility experts on 0333 015 5000.