All about blue legs, the situation individuals with lengthy Covid might endure from

Covid blue legs is the discoloration of legs or creating a bluish rash in toes on standing is without doubt one of the lengthy Covid manifestations that folks might endure from. In a report in Lancet journal, it was talked about how a 33-year-old man with lengthy Covid introduced with fast discoloration of legs on standing. His legs felt heavy and numb, and he felt an itchy sensation with bluish rash in toes. Experts say this could possibly be as a result of autonomic nerves getting impacted because of which the blood provide to the decrease limbs might get affected and the return of blood again to the guts is impaired. The situation is called acrocyanosis, or venous pooling and cutaneous ischemia. (Also learn: Will ‘Eris’ Covid strain bring back face mask restriction in UK? Experts say)

“Long Covid, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), can lead to a range of persistent symptoms that affect various systems in the body, including cardiovascular and circulatory systems,” says Dr. Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi.

“These symptoms have been seen in post Covid complications over a period of time. This is known as acrocyanosis caused by persistent discoloration of lower extremities resembling bluish or purple hue. It develops when the acute phase of infection has subsided. Cause is Covid impact on blood vessels and body inflammatory response because Covid can cause some damage to the blood vessels,” says Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, head of essential care & pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

“After Covid, once the acute infection goes away, there is a low-grade chronic inflammation which sets in and persistent chronic inflammation impacts various organs of the body and one of the systems is the autonomic nervous system,” says Dr Ashutosh Shukla, Medical Advisor and Senior Director – Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram.

“So autonomic nerves are those nerves which are not under our voluntary control and these nerves control the tone of the blood vessels supplying the legs. some patients with long Covid or post Covid syndrome, develop blue legs and this happens because of the autonomic nerves getting impacted resulting in bluish discoloration of the legs because the blood supply to the lower limbs gets affected and the return of blood back to the heart is impaired. So, this is a typical syndrome, known as Blue leg syndrome which happens after Covid because of the low-grade chronic inflammation,” says Dr Shukla.

Dr Avi Kumar shares some potential causes for blue discoloration of the legs:

Poor circulation: Covid-19 can influence blood vessels and trigger irritation, which can have an effect on blood movement to the extremities, leading to blue discoloration.

Blood clot formation: Covid-19 has been related to an elevated threat of blood clot formation, which may probably block blood movement to sure areas, resulting in tissue discoloration.

Vascular points: In some instances, the virus can harm blood vessels, inflicting them to turn into extra constricted or much less purposeful, affecting blood movement.

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Covid-19 may have an effect on the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily features comparable to blood vessel constriction. Dysfunction on this system may contribute to circulation points.

Reduced oxygen provide: If there’s an issue with oxygen change within the lungs because of Covid-19-related lung harm, it may result in diminished oxygen provide within the blood and trigger discoloration within the extremities.

Patients experiencing this will not be conscious that it may be a symptom of Long Covid and dysautonomia and should really feel involved about what they’re seeing. Similarly, clinicians will not be conscious of the hyperlink between acrocyanosis and Long Covid.

“Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential causes, and each individual case can be unique. If you or someone you know is experiencing such symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly,” concludes Dr Kumar.