Leg Pain / Claudication

Understanding Leg Pain: A Circulation Issue You Shouldn’t Ignore

Leg pain, especially during walking or physical activity, can be more than just muscle fatigue or aging. A common cause is claudication — a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your legs. Left untreated, this can lead to chronic pain, non-healing wounds, and even risk of limb loss.

At Apex Heart & Vascular Center, we specialize in identifying vascular causes of leg pain and providing targeted, advanced treatments that restore circulation and mobility.

Common Symptoms of Claudication (Leg Pain Due to Poor Circulation)

Claudication-related leg pain usually worsens with activity and improves with rest. Additional symptoms may include:

• Cramping or aching in the calf, thigh, or buttock while walking

• Numbness or weakness in the legs

• Coldness or discoloration in the feet or toes

• Sores or wounds on the legs that heal slowly

• Shiny skin or loss of hair on the legs

• Slower toenail growth

• Pain that improves when legs are hanging off the bed or elevated

When Is Leg Pain Considered Serious?

Not all leg pain is vascular, but you should seek medical evaluation if:

• Pain begins while walking and stops at rest

• There’s visible change in skin color, texture, or temperature

• You have slow-healing wounds on your feet or legs

• Your walking distance is decreasing over time

• You have risk factors like diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

• You have a history of heart disease or stroke

These may be signs of peripheral artery disease — and early diagnosis can prevent progression.

How Apex Heart & Vascular Center Can Help

At Apex Heart & Vascular Center, Dr. Yasir Akram and our experienced vascular specialists provide full-spectrum care for patients with leg pain and suspected PAD at our locations in Houston, Tomball, and Cypress.

Our diagnostic and treatment options include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) to measure leg blood flow

• Doppler Ultrasound to visualize artery blockages

• CT Angiography for detailed vascular imaging

• Supervised exercise therapy to improve walking distance

• Medication management for blood flow and cholesterol control

• Minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty or stenting

We create personalized care plans to relieve your symptoms and help you walk without pain again.