Common symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the legs include cramping, pain, or muscle fatigue during physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs. This discomfort, known as claudication, typically improves with rest but returns when physical activity resumes.

• Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for another health issue
• PAD often goes undiagnosed by doctors
• People with PAD have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke.
• Left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation.

• PAD is easily diagnosed in a painless way.
• You can take control by leading a heart-healthy lifestyle
• Some cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

Many people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, some develop leg pain or cramping while walking, a condition known as claudication, which typically improves with rest.

Claudication can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits daily activities. Symptoms include muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms during physical activity, such as walking, that typically improves after a few minutes of rest. Pain location depends on which artery is narrowed or blocked, with calf pain most common.

Common Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):

• Painful cramping in your hip, thigh or calf muscles after certain activities (for example walking or climbing stairs)
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Coldness in one of your lower leg or foot but not the other
• Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won’t heal
• A change in the color of your legs
• Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
• Slower growth of your toenails
• Shiny skin on your legs
• No pulse or a weak pulse in your legs or feet
• Erectile dysfunction in men

If peripheral artery disease progresses, you may even have pain at rest. It may be intense enough to interrupt sleep.

When to Seek Medical Care for PAD:

Even if you don’t have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, you may need to be seen if you are:

• Over age 70
• Over age 50 and have a history of diabetes or smoking
• Under age 50, but have diabetes and other peripheral artery disease risk factors, such as obesity or high blood pressure

If you experience leg pain, numbness, or other symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), don’t assume they’re a normal part of aging. Contact Ohio Vein and Vascular to schedule an appointment. A vascular screening can help identify circulation problems and determine the appropriate next steps for your care.