Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involves decreased flow of blood into the legs due to narrowing or blockage of arteries. Early symptoms of the condition include pain in the leg upon walking, numbness, weakness, cold feet, changes in skin color, and slow-healing sores. Early diagnosis of the problem can reduce the risks involved.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral arterial disease refers to the condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs narrow or get clogged. One common reason for this narrowing is the accumulation of plaque, which limits the amount of oxygen-filled blood flowing to the leg muscles and tissues.
One way of understanding PAD is through comparing the arteries to roads. When plaque builds up in the “roads,” not much blood is allowed into the legs, particularly when one is being active.
There are people who suffer from PAD but do not show symptoms of it.
What Are the Early Signs of PAD?
The most common warning sign is leg pain, cramping, aching, or heaviness during walking that improves after resting. This pattern is called intermittent claudication.
Other signs can include:
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Coldness in one foot
- Pale, blue, or discolored skin
- Slow-growing toenails or leg hair
- Pins-and-needles sensations
- Foot or leg sores that heal slowly
A simple walk can sometimes reveal the problem. If leg pain repeatedly forces someone to stop and rest, it’s worth discussing with a vascular specialist.
Who Is at Risk?
There are several causes that may lead to increased risk for PAD. Smoking is one of the main causes, whereas diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, advanced age, and previous history of heart diseases may also cause increased risk.
This is why persistent symptoms in legs should not be taken as an excuse for just being “older.”
How Is PAD Diagnosed?
PAD diagnosis begins with taking the patient’s medical history and performing a physical exam. The physician might perform a test to measure the pulse in the legs, examine the feet and skin, and find any conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
ABI (ankle-brachial index) is the most common method to test blood circulation. Doppler ultrasound can be performed to detect poor blood circulation and blockages in the arteries.
What Are the Treatment Options?
The management of PAD varies according to the individual patient’s symptoms, risk factors, and the severity of blood flow impairment.
Management options may range from exercise training, lifestyle modifications, quitting smoking, and medical therapy. For those cases where other methods are not effective, surgical treatments like angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, or bypass surgery can be an option.
Our professionals at Laser Vascular Center diagnose and treat any disorders in peripheral arteries and veins using vascular imaging techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PAD pain feel like?
PAD pain often feels like cramping, aching, heaviness, or weakness in the legs during walking or climbing stairs. The discomfort may improve after resting.
Can PAD cause numbness?
Yes. PAD may cause leg or foot numbness, weakness, or pins-and-needles sensations. Coldness and changes in skin color can also occur.
Can PAD be treated?
Yes. Treatment can include exercise, lifestyle changes, medication, and, when needed, procedures to improve blood flow. The right approach depends on the individual condition.
When should someone seek urgent care?
Sudden loss of feeling or movement in a foot, especially when the foot becomes cold, pale, or blue, can signal acute limb ischemia. This requires immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Peripheral artery disease can start quietly. A recurring ache during a walk, a cold foot, or a wound that won’t heal may be worth a closer look.
Early evaluation can help identify circulation problems and guide appropriate treatment. If PAD symptoms are affecting daily activities, a vascular assessment can help determine what’s happening and what steps come next.
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