Peripheral Artery Disease: The Leg Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Leg pain is easy to explain away. Age, a long day on your feet, a new workout. But when the pain shows up every time you walk and fades when you rest, your legs may be telling you about peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common circulation problem that often goes undiagnosed. The good news is that it is very treatable, especially when it is found early.

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD develops when arteries that carry blood to your legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, usually from a buildup of plaque. This is the same process that can affect the heart and brain. When your legs do not receive enough blood flow, your muscles and tissues do not get the oxygen they need. You can read more in our overview of arterial disease.

According to the CDC, about 6.5 million Americans age 40 and older have PAD, and up to 4 in 10 people with PAD have no leg pain at all. The American Heart Association notes that untreated PAD can lead to limb amputation, heart attack, and stroke.

Common Symptoms of PAD

Some people have no symptoms. Others notice:

Cramping, aching, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, hip, or buttock while walking that goes away with rest (called claudication)
Leg or foot numbness or weakness
Coldness in one leg or foot compared to the other
Skin that looks pale, shiny, or bluish
Hair loss on the legs or feet
Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all
Pain in the feet or toes at night that improves when you dangle your legs over the bed

Why PAD Should Never Be Brushed Off

PAD is more than a leg problem. It is a sign that plaque may be building up throughout your body, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can also affect other arteries, including the carotid arteries in your neck and the aorta. Untreated advanced PAD can lead to chronic wounds, infection, and in severe cases, amputation. This is why we are passionate about limb salvage in Northwest Arkansas.

Catching PAD early gives you more options and better outcomes.

Who Is at Risk?

You may be at higher risk for PAD if you:

Are age 60 or older
Smoke or used to smoke
Have diabetes
Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or PAD
Are overweight or inactive

How Is PAD Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is simple and painless. It often begins with a conversation about your symptoms and health history, followed by a physical exam. A common first test is the ankle brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in your ankle to the pressure in your arm. Your care team may also recommend an ultrasound or other vascular imaging to see exactly where blood flow is restricted.

We also host arterial screening events that include an ABI, an abdominal aortic ultrasound, and a carotid ultrasound in one visit.

PAD Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how advanced your PAD is and how much it affects your daily life.

Lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, walking regularly, managing blood sugar, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol can slow the disease and ease symptoms.

Medication. Your provider may prescribe medicines to improve blood flow, lower cholesterol, or reduce the risk of clots.

Minimally invasive procedures. For many patients, endovascular treatments such as angioplasty and stenting or arterial atherectomy can reopen narrowed arteries through a tiny incision. Curious what the day of your procedure looks like? Read our guide to angioplasty and stenting.

Surgical options. In more advanced cases, bypass surgery may be recommended to reroute blood around a blocked artery.

At ORVAC, our vascular team will walk you through every option and build a plan that fits your health and your goals. Learn more about PAD treatment in Rogers.

When to See a Vascular Specialist

Schedule an evaluation if you have leg pain with walking, wounds that are slow to heal, or a combination of risk factors and symptoms. Wondering why a specialist matters? Read why you should see an artery specialist in Rogers, or meet our team, including Dr. Stout, our vascular and endovascular surgeon.

Seek emergency care right away if you have sudden severe leg pain, a leg that turns cold, pale, or blue, or sudden numbness or weakness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PAD the same as poor circulation?
PAD is one of the most common causes of poor circulation in the legs, but not all circulation problems are PAD. Vein conditions such as varicose veins can also cause leg pain and swelling, which is why a proper evaluation matters. Because we treat both veins and arteries, our team can guide you in the right direction.

Can PAD be reversed?
The plaque already in your arteries does not simply disappear, but treatment can improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and stop the disease from progressing.

Is leg pain from PAD the same as muscle soreness?
Not quite. PAD pain tends to be predictable, appearing after a certain distance of walking and easing within minutes of rest. Ongoing or worsening pain deserves a check.

Does walking make PAD worse?
No. According to an American Heart Association scientific statement, structured exercise is an important part of PAD treatment. Talk with your provider about a plan that is right for you.

Does ORVAC accept insurance?
Yes. We accept Medicare and most major private insurance providers. See our FAQs for the full list, or call us to confirm your coverage.

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs

If you have noticed leg pain, cold feet, or sores that are not healing, do not wait. The team at Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center in Rogers, AR is here to help. Take our Virtual Vein & Artery Screening to see if you are a candidate, or schedule a consultation at 5433 W. Walsh Lane, Suite A, Rogers, or call 479.777.8014.

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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.

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