Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulation problem that can affect the arteries supplying blood to the legs. One of the noticeable symptoms is aching or painful legs, particularly while walking.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when arteries outside the heart and brain—most commonly those supplying the legs—become narrowed or blocked. This can reduce blood flow and limit the oxygen reaching the muscles.
A common cause is atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up inside the artery walls.
What Are the Symptoms of PAD?
✓ Aching or cramping in the legs while walking
✓ Leg pain that improves after resting
✓ Heavy or tired legs
✓ Numbness or weakness in the legs
✓ Coldness in the lower leg or foot
✓ Changes in skin color
✓ Slow-healing cuts or sores on the feet or legs
✓ Weak pulses in the feet
✓ In advanced cases, pain even while resting
Leg pain that repeatedly occurs during walking and improves with rest should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Who Is at Higher Risk of PAD?
✓ Diabetes
✓ Smoking or tobacco use
✓ High blood pressure
✓ High cholesterol
✓ Increasing age
✓ Obesity
✓ History of cardiovascular disease
✓ Physical inactivity
✓ Family history of vascular disease
How Is PAD Diagnosed?
A vascular specialist may evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and circulation.
✓ Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
✓ Doppler or vascular ultrasound
✓ CT angiography
✓ MR angiography
✓ Other vascular investigations when required
Can PAD Be Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, symptoms, overall health, and the location of the arterial narrowing or blockage.
✓ Lifestyle modifications
✓ Regular physical activity as advised by a healthcare professional
✓ Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
✓ Stopping tobacco use
✓ Medications when appropriate
✓ Endovascular procedures or other vascular interventions for selected patients
When Should You See a Vascular Specialist?
Consider seeking medical evaluation if you experience:
✓ Persistent leg pain
✓ Recurrent pain while walking
✓ Cold feet
✓ Unexplained numbness
✓ Non-healing wounds
✓ Changes in skin color
✓ Sudden worsening of symptoms
Sudden severe leg pain, marked coldness or discoloration of a limb, or a rapidly developing wound requires urgent medical attention.
Take Your Leg Pain Seriously
Aching legs are not always caused by PAD, but recurring symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying circulation problem. Recognizing the warning signs and getting an appropriate medical evaluation can help identify problems early.
Lumina Vein & Vascular Center
Dr. Uday Ravi
MBBS, MS – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon & Proctologist
20+ Years of Experience
📞 88844 77725
🌐 https://luminaveincenter.com/
📍 Rajaji Nagar Akshay Nagar Whitefield Yelahanka Indira Nagar HSR Layout
