If your legs hurt when you walk, you might chalk it up to getting older, being out of shape, or simply doing too much. But if the pain happens regularly and goes away when you rest, it could be a sign of peripheral artery disease, or PAD.
“PAD can affect your ability to walk and stay active,” explains Eric Ambroz, DO, Carilion Clinic Aortic Center. “It can also be a warning sign that you have plaque buildup in your arteries, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.”
What is peripheral artery disease?
PAD is a common condition that affects blood flow to the legs and sometimes arms. It happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow where it needs to go.
Anyone can get PAD, but your risk increases with age. Other risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight or obese
- A family history of PAD or other cardiovascular disease
- A history of heart disease or stroke
Some people with PAD don’t have symptoms. If you have any of these risk factors, reach out to your doctor. They can help determine if you should be screened for PAD.
What are the symptoms of PAD?
The most common symptom is leg pain or discomfort (usually in the calves) while walking or exercising. This happens because the muscles aren't getting enough blood. Other symptoms include:
- Aching, cramping, or pain in your legs, hips, or buttocks when you walk
- Pain that goes away after you stop and rest
- A feeling of heaviness or weakness in your legs
- Numbness or tingling in your legs or feet
- One foot feeling colder than the other
- Changes in the color of your feet or legs
- Cuts or sores on your feet that take a long time to heal
- Less hair growth on your legs
- Changes in your toenails
Sometimes these symptoms develop in the arms, but it’s not as common.
When should you see a doctor?
“It's easy to mistake these symptoms for normal signs of aging or simply being out of shape,” says Dr. Ambroz. “But frequent leg pain that happens with activity and gets better with rest is worth discussing with your doctor.”
If you develop sudden, severe leg pain or if your foot or leg suddenly becomes cold, pale, numb, or weak, get immediate medical attention. These can be signs of something more serious.
How is PAD diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history and check the blood flow in your legs and feet. One common test is the ankle-brachial index, or ABI. This painless test compares blood pressure in your ankle with blood pressure in your arm. A lower blood pressure reading in the ankle can be a sign of reduced blood flow.
Depending on your symptoms and test results, your doctor may recommend additional imaging tests to get a closer look at your blood vessels.
How is PAD treated?
Treatment focuses on improving blood flow, reducing symptoms, and lowering the risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, and loss of limbs. This may include:
Getting more active: Regular exercise can help improve blood flow. Your doctor may recommend a walking plan designed for people with PAD.
Eating a heart-healthy diet: Choosing more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium can help protect your heart and blood vessels.
Quitting smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your blood vessels and your overall health. Free help is available!
Taking medication: Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help lower cholesterol, control blood pressure or diabetes, prevent blood clots, or reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Having a procedure: If PAD is severe or doesn't improve with other treatments, you may need a procedure to improve blood flow. Depending on the location and severity of the blockage, options may include angioplasty, stenting, or surgery.
If you have concerning symptoms or questions about PAD, reach out to your primary care doctor.
