Arterial insufficiency is a complete or partial block of the arteries that causes inadequate blood flow to tissue in the body. Arterial insufficiency can lead to many different disorders, depending on the arteries that become blocked. The extremities, such as the hands and feet often suffer from arterial insufficiency, as blockage in the legs or arms impedes blood from reaching those areas. Arterial insufficiency can cause arterial ulcers, particularly below the ankle, around the bony prominences and between the toes.
Arterial insufficiency in the legs can result from several medical conditions, such as arteriosclerosis, atheriosclerosis, aneurysm, or blood vessel disease due to diabetes.
Early signs of arterial insufficiency include cool or cold skin, and a reduced pulse in the extremity. Sometimes, if the blockage of the artery is advanced, the pulse may be absent entirely. Arterial insufficiency may change the appearance of the skin, rendering it shiny, tight, thin, and dry. Also, the skin may be hairless, and the toenails thick and brittle.
Several physical symptoms can indicate arterial insufficiency. While walking, people may experience pain in the calf muscles or a burning senstaion in the feet. Another symptom includes leg cramps when the legs are elevated, particulaly while sleeping.
