A leading BBC medical expert has issued a strong warning for anyone waking up with leg pain. On BBC Morning Live, Dr Xand van Tulleken urged viewers not to dismiss leg pain as just a normal part of aging.
While occasional aches are common, persistent or specific leg discomfort requires medical attention, he explained. Presenter Helen Skelton introduced the topic by noting, “If you started this morning with a pain in your leg, you’re not alone. One in five people over 60 may be living with a blood vessel disorder.”
Dr Xand emphasized, “No one should ever assume their symptoms are just aging. If you’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or leg pain without a clear cause, seek medical evaluation.”
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He went on to discuss peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition affecting blood flow to the legs. “Peripheral arterial disease essentially means narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the legs due to plaque buildup. It’s the same underlying problem that causes heart attacks and strokes.”
As arteries narrow, blood flow is restricted, leading to pain known as intermittent claudication. This pain often occurs during walking and eases with rest. “It’s like angina in your legs,” Dr Xand explained. “If blood vessels become fully blocked, it can be as critical as a heart attack—but in the legs.”
Many individuals with PAD have no symptoms, but for some, leg pain during activity is a warning sign. The NHS states symptoms can develop slowly, but sudden worsening requires urgent care.
Dr Xand described the pain as a deep, heavy ache caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the leg muscles. “It’s similar to muscle pain when you overexert yourself, but it improves with rest. This kind of pain should not be ignored.”
He also pointed out visible signs to watch for: loss of hair on the legs, cold feet, slow-healing ulcers or cuts, mottled or gray skin, and slow-growing toenails—all signs of poor blood supply.
Smoking is a major risk factor, along with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Dr Xand emphasized that regular exercise, despite initial discomfort, can stimulate new blood vessel growth, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve overall vascular health.
“Exercise offers multiple benefits—it helps open up blood vessels, reduces stress, and improves blood sugar levels,” he said. “So, if you experience leg pain, don’t ignore it. Get checked and take steps to protect your circulation.”