Don't Let Leg Pain Slow You Down This Winter: When to See a Specialist

For many people, winter is marked by holidays, hot cocoa, and meaningful times with loved ones. Along with wintertime upsides, however, can come the discomfort and stress of new or worsening leg pain.

Over one-third of Americans experience leg pain in a given year, making it a common conundrum. While leg pain can flare up at any time, certain factors associated with winter increase the risk.

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, diagnose and treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common cause of leg pain.

Take a moment to learn more about leg pain in the winter, including tips for prevention and relief.

How does winter affect leg pain?

A review of studies on self-reported pain showed that many people experience more musculoskeletal pain in the cold. Wintertime cold and inactivity can also fuel PAD leg pain. 

The colder climate and changes in barometric pressure during winter can increase the likelihood or intensity of leg pain. Faced with colder temperatures, your body may not circulate blood as well. Meanwhile, your muscles may tighten as your nerve sensitivity increases. 

Sitting for more time and exercising less can lead to pain and stiffness as well. If you slip on ice or snow, you run the risk of a painful leg injury. Such an injury could also exacerbate ongoing symptoms. 

When to see a leg pain specialist

While leg pain can be temporary and mild, serious causes like PAD require expert care. If you’re experiencing severe, long-lasting, or perplexing leg pain, it’s time to see a specialist. 

If you’re prone to leg pain, your provider can recommend preventive measures to protect your well-being throughout the winter. A specialist’s care is also crucial if your ongoing leg pain has intensified due to seasonal or other factors. 

PAD symptoms and treatments

Leg pain that flares up when you’re even mildly physically active and improves with rest is a common sign of PAD. You can also develop PAD without experiencing leg pain. 

Other PAD signs to take seriously include:

• Cold or numb toes
• Hair loss
• Inability to feel a pulse in your feet
• Muscle weakness
• Slow-healing leg sores
• Smooth and shiny or cool skin

Dr. Elyaderani’s primary goals of treating PAD include reducing your stroke risk and easing symptoms, especially leg pain. After a comprehensive exam and, if necessary, an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) test, he will recommend personalized treatment. Your plan may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. 

Helpful lifestyle changes may include staying physically active, wearing warm clothing in cold weather, eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, and quitting smoking.

To learn more about PAD leg pain in the winter or get started with individualized vascular care, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.