What is a leg aneurysm?

A leg aneurysm (say "ANN-yuh-riz-um") is a bulge in a blood vessel (artery) in your leg. The bulge occurs in a weak spot in the artery. It can happen in one or both legs.

Blood clots can form in this type of aneurysm and can block blood flow in your leg.

What increases your risk?

• Family history. People who have a family member who had an aneurysm are more likely to have an aneurysm themselves.
• Previous aneurysm. People who have had aneurysms before—anywhere in the body—are more likely to have another.
• Being biologically male. This raises the risk of having a leg aneurysm.
• High blood pressure. It increases the chance of an aneurysm getting bigger.
• Smoking. Smoking can damage blood vessels.

What are the symptoms?

Many leg aneurysms cause no symptoms. You may have symptoms if a blood clot forms in the aneurysm or downstream, if the aneurysm swells and presses surrounding structures, or if it ruptures.

Symptoms of a blood clot may include:

• Sudden pain in your leg or foot.
• Your leg or foot being cool or pale or changing color.
• Tingling or numbness in your foot.

How is it diagnosed?

An aneurysm may be found during tests for another, usually unrelated, condition.

You may have regular tests to find out the size of the aneurysm. Tests can include ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is a leg aneurysm treated?

A small aneurysm may not need surgery. But your doctor will watch it closely.

Aneurysms may need treatment if they are large or fast-growing or if they cause symptoms.

How can you care for yourself?

Having an aneurysm means that you may also have other blood vessel problems. There are things you can do to improve your blood vessel health and prevent more damage to your blood vessels. Here are some things that your doctor may suggest.

• Don't smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods.
• Limit sodium, alcohol, and sweets.
• Stay at a weight that's healthy for you.
• Ask your doctor what type and level of activity is safe for you. If your doctor recommends it, get regular exercise. For many people, walking is a good choice. Or you may want to swim, bike, or do other activities. Bit by bit, increase the time you’re active every day. Try for at least 30 minutes on most days.
• Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
• Manage other health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.