The Seven Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Do not ignore these symptoms that may indicate a problem with the circulation in your legs.
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, happens when the arteries in your legs (or less commonly, in your arms) become narrowed or blocked. This makes it harder for blood to flow, especially to your lower body.
“PAD is more common as people get older,” says Tina Ng MD, vascular surgeon at PIH Health. “You are also more likely to get PAD if you smoke, have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of the condition.” Many people with PAD do not know they have it, as symptoms can be easy to ignore or are commonly mistaken for something else.
Here are seven of the most common signs of PAD:
- Leg pain when walking. One of the most common signs of PAD is pain or cramping in the legs while walking, climbing stairs, or exercising. The pain usually goes away when you rest. This happens because your muscles are not getting enough blood while you are active.
- Numbness or weakness in your legs. If your legs or feet feel weak or numb, especially after moving around, it could be a sign of reduced blood flow. You may also feel heaviness or tiredness in your legs.
- Cold feet or legs. If one leg or foot feels colder than the other, it could mean blood is not circulating well to one side of your body.
- Slow-healing wounds. Sores or cuts on your legs or feet that take a long time to heal might be a sign of PAD. Without enough blood flow, your body has a harder time fighting off infection and repairing damaged tissue.
- Changes in skin or nails. Does the skin on your legs or feet look shiny or tight? Are your toenails growing slowly or becoming thick and brittle? These can be clues that your circulation is not great.
- Weak or no pulse in the legs or feet. Doctors often check the pulse in your legs and feet. If it is weak or missing, that can be a sign that blood is not moving through the arteries as it should.
- Pain at rest or while lying down. As PAD worsens in the body, some people feel pain even when they are resting. You may wake up with foot or toe pain that gets better when you dangle your legs off the bed.
What to Do if You Have Symptoms of PAD
“If you notice any of these signs, contact your physician. Your doctor may do a simple test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI), comparing the blood pressure in your ankle and arm to see how well blood is flowing,” says Dr. Ng. “Other tests like ultrasound or blood work may also be used to diagnose PAD.”
If it is determined that you have PAD, treatment often includes lifestyle changes such as:
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising more, especially walking
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
In some cases, you may also need medication, angiogram procedure, or surgery to open up blocked arteries.
If you notice pain, coldness or other changes in your legs or feet, do not ignore it. The sooner you are diagnosed with PAD, the better your chances are of staying active and healthy. “Keep in mind that PAD is a sign that your arteries are clogged compromising your circulation,” says Dr. Ng. “This means that in addition to affecting your legs, you can also have risk factors for heart attack and stroke.” That is why it is important to pay attention to any signs of the disease and be proactive about a screening of your symptoms.
