Most of us experience the discomfort of tired, stiff, aching legs every now and then. Many people, however, must cope with this sensation on a daily basis. This condition, called intermittent claudication, results from blocked arteries in the pelvis, thighs, or calves and most often is caused by atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries.

More In-Depth Info: Heart Center

Circulatory problems come in many other forms as well, such as varicose veins. Most can be treated effectively at home and in consultation with a doctor. In severe cases, though, a corrective surgical procedure may be appropriate.

Blood circulates through the body via a complex system of vessels. Red blood cells in your blood carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Arteries distribute oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body; veins collect and return oxygen-depleted blood from distant reaches of the body to the heart. Circulatory problems arise when these vessels become blocked or overly constricted. Such interruptions in normal blood flow can be brought on by a variety of conditions. Weakened arterial walls, for example, can balloon out and form pockets called aneurysms that trap blood. Veins can stretch, causing their internal valves to malfunction and to become varicose veins, and vascular disease can cause vessels to constrict. Most of the time, the discomfort caused by circulatory irregularities is confined to the buttocks and legs, but it can also affect other parts of the body.

Symptoms

• Cramplike pain, muscle fatigue, and aching in the legs; the blood vessels in your calves, thighs, feet or hips may be blocked, possibly due to hardening of the arteries. Bulging, bluish vessels in an aching leg; you may have varicose veins.
• A painful, hard vein; you may have phlebitis.
• A finger, toe, or other body part that feels numb after exposure to cold weather, then becomes red and painful once warmed; you could be suffering from frostbite.
• Scaling, itchy dry skin.
• Poorly healing sores.

Heart Center | Introduction & Symptoms | Causes & Treatments