Why Is One Leg Colder than the Other?

Have you ever asked yourself why one of your legs feels colder than the other? While several reasons could be responsible, one of the most serious and concerning conditions associated with this symptom is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). In this blog, we will explore why one leg might feel colder than the other and explain how it can be related to PAD.

Connection Between Blood Flow and Leg Temperature

Blood flow mainly controls temperature regulation in the body. Warm, oxygen-rich blood is moved through the arteries to regulate and nourish the temperature of the limbs. When blood flow is restricted, the affected area does not receive enough warmth, causing a cold feeling. The imbalance in temperature could be an early sign of PAD.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease is a condition that affects millions of people, mostly those over the age of 50, smokers, and people with diabetes or high blood pressure. PAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to your limbs become narrowed or blocked, usually because of plaque buildup. When this occurs, blood flow to your lower extremities is minimized, and the tissues in your legs may not get enough nutrients and oxygen. Over time, this can lead to a number of complications and symptoms, including leg pain, numbness, and a sensation of coldness in the legs, usually in one leg more than the other.  

Why Is One Leg Colder Than the Other?

When one leg feels colder than the other, it often indicates an imbalance in blood circulation. Several factors could cause this sensation, but in the case of PAD, it is directly tied to the narrowing or blockage of arteries. Here are some of the main reasons for this temperature difference:

1. Reduced Blood Flow

The primary reason one leg might feel colder than the other in PAD is reduced blood flow. Arteries affected by PAD are less able to transport oxygenated blood to your extremities, leading to decreased warmth in the affected area. Since blood carries warmth from the core of your body to your limbs, a restricted blood supply results in a cooler leg.

2. Plaque Buildup

Atherosclerosis, the process that causes plaque to build up in the arteries, is a leading cause of PAD. The plaques are composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that stick to artery walls, gradually narrowing the passage through which blood can flow. If one leg’s arteries are more severely affected than the other, the difference in blood flow will cause that leg to feel colder.

3. Narrowed or Blocked Arteries

Sometimes, the arteries in one leg may be more blocked than the other, leading to a significant difference in temperature. The colder leg is typically the one with more advanced blockage, where the blood struggles to travel to the extremities, causing a noticeable drop in temperature.

4. Compromised Circulatory System

PAD doesn’t just affect the arteries in the legs; it may also be a sign of a bigger problem with your cardiovascular system. A compromised circulatory system can lead to uneven blood distribution in the body. Even if your symptoms are mainly felt in your legs, it could be a sign of systemic circulation issues affecting different parts of the body unevenly.

Symptoms of PAD Beyond Coldness 

While coldness in one leg is a common symptom of PAD, it is rarely the only one. Other symptoms usually accompany the sensation of a cooler leg, and recognizing these can help in diagnosing PAD early. Here are some additional signs to watch for:

• Leg pain or cramping, especially during physical activities 
• Changes in skin color and shinier skin 
• Weakness or numbness in the leg
• Sores on the legs, feet, or toes that heal slowly or not at all
• Loss of hair or slower hair growth

Other Causes of Leg Coldness

PAD is a common cause of leg coldness, but it is important to note that it is not the only possible reason for this feeling. There are other medical conditions that can lead to differences in temperature in the legs, and it is important to talk with your healthcare provider to find the underlying cause. Some other potential reasons for one leg feeling colder than the other include:

• Nerve Damage (Peripheral Neuropathy): Damage to the peripheral nerves can cause a variety of feelings, including coldness, numbness, and tingling in the legs. People with diabetes often experience peripheral neuropathy, which can complicate blood flow.
• Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis): A blood clot in one leg can restrict blood flow and cause the leg to feel colder or experience pain and swelling. Blood clots are a medical emergency and require immediate care. 
• Raynaud’s Disease: This condition affects blood flow to certain parts of the body, usually to the fingers and toes, but it can also affect the legs. Due to spasms in the blood vessels, those with Raynaud’s may experience coldness and discoloration in one or both legs. 

Get Treated for PAD at American Endovascular 

At American Endovascular, our vascular specialists diagnose and treat peripheral artery disease. If you consistently feel that one leg is colder than the other, especially if you also experience other symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, or color changes, getting the care you need is important. Although a difference in leg temperature may seem like a minor issue, it could be a sign of a serious underlying condition like PAD. Schedule an appointment with American Endovascular today to find relief from your symptoms.