Vascular health plays an important role in mobility for aging adults.
Mobility Issues and Aging
Weakness with walking is often considered a natural sign of aging, but in some cases, it can indicate underlying health issues. While musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and nerve problems are commonly associated with age-related mobility issues, vascular conditions are also a prevalent cause.
Understanding Arterial Disease
When blood flow is compromised, it can cause the muscles to feel weak, especially during activity. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the legs and is a leading cause of vascular-related walking difficulties.
The acronym F.L.O.W. can help identify the signs of arterial disease:
- Feeling of Pain. Pain in the calves, thighs, or buttocks which eases with rest
- Loss of Sensation. Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensations
- Open Sores. Chronic, non-healing wounds, particularly on the feet or lower legs
- Weakness with Walking. Weakness or fatigue in the legs that limits mobility
Diagnosis and Treatment
Because arterial disease is often mistaken for other conditions, it is important to receive a vascular assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and help prevent severe outcomes like tissue damage or amputation. Diagnostic tools such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and advanced imaging techniques can assess blood flow.
Arterial disease can be treated with lifestyle adjustments such as walking programs, smoking cessation, and dietary changes to improve circulation; medical intervention including angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery, to restore blood flow; and physical therapy to improve mobility.
Outlook
By receiving regular vascular screenings and knowing the symptoms of F.L.O.W., aging adults can take proactive steps to manage arterial disease and maintain mobility. If you are experiencing weakness with walking, consult with your healthcare provider to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
An Expert Weighs In:
“Advancing age is one of the major causes of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in addition to the history of smoking or uncontrolled blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. In the elderly, balance issues and weakness when walking can lead to falls, and we tend to break bones and not bounce back anymore. Talk to your primary care provider to understand the cause of these issues. Also, to improve access to care, VIC has five locations and accepts ‘self-referrals.’ Please call our office to ask questions or schedule an appointment with our vascular team. Be proactive, be evaluated, and don’t be a statistic.”
Chris LeSar, MD, FACS, RVT
Vascular/Endovascular Surgeon, Vascular Institute of Chattanooga
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Rachel has assumed the role of managing editor, where she is responsible for the annual development and completion of seventeen publications involving health, wellness, and lifestyles articles that are published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
