Peripheral Artery Disease – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens when arteries become narrow, limiting blood flow to the limbs. This condition most commonly affects the legs, causing pain during walking (claudication) when muscles don’t receive enough blood.
PAD typically results from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in artery walls.
The reduced blood flow can lead to various symptoms that impact daily activities. People with PAD may experience discomfort, weakness, or numbness in their legs.
Treatment focuses on lifestyle modifications, including:
- Regular exercise
- Heart-healthy diet
- Quitting tobacco use
Signs and Symptoms
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) may cause few or no symptoms in some people. When symptoms do appear, they vary from mild to severe.
Common signs include:
- Pain in the legs when walking
- Cramping in arm or leg muscles, often in the calf
- Muscle discomfort that starts during activity and stops with rest
- Pain in hips, thighs, or calves after walking or climbing stairs
- Discomfort when using arms, such as during writing or knitting
- Cold lower legs or feet, especially compared to the other side
- Weakness or numbness in the legs
- Weak or absent pulse in feet or legs
The muscle pain from PAD may:
- Range from mild to severe
- Disturb sleep
- Make exercise difficult
- Happen during rest in advanced cases
You might also notice:
| Physical Changes | Skin Changes |
|---|---|
| Slow toenail growth | Shiny skin on legs |
| Hair loss on legs | Changes in skin color |
| Erectile problems | Sores that won’t heal |
When to Get Medical Help
If you experience leg or arm pain or notice any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Early detection can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Causes
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) typically develops due to atherosclerosis—a process where fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up as plaque on artery walls. This plaque narrows arteries, restricting blood flow to the arms or legs.
Several less common factors can also lead to PAD:
- Inflammation of blood vessels
- Physical trauma to the limbs
- Structural changes in muscles or ligaments
- Exposure to radiation
When arteries narrow, they cannot deliver sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the limbs, especially during physical activity. This restriction often causes pain and limits mobility.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing peripheral artery disease:
- Family history of vascular problems
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Age over 65 (or over 50 with other risk factors)
- Obesity
- Smoking
These factors contribute to artery narrowing and reduced blood flow in your limbs.
Complications
Peripheral artery disease can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Critical limb ischemia occurs when injuries or infections don’t heal properly due to poor blood flow. This condition can cause:
- Persistent open sores on the legs or feet
- Tissue death in affected areas
- Possible need for amputation in severe cases
Cardiovascular events are another risk because the same plaque that blocks leg arteries can affect other blood vessels. People with PAD have higher chances of experiencing:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Other circulation problems
Preventing Leg Pain
Preventing leg pain caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves making several lifestyle changes. These changes can improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
Don’t Smoke
Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps to prevent PAD. Tobacco damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the legs.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A heart-healthy diet helps protect your arteries. Try to:
- Reduce foods high in sugar
- Limit saturated and trans fats
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Choose whole grains
- Include lean proteins
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity improves circulation and strengthens muscles. Before starting any exercise program, check with your healthcare provider to determine what’s safe for you.
Recommended activities might include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Low-impact aerobics
Start slowly and gradually increase duration and intensity as your body adapts.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight puts additional strain on your circulatory system. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise helps reduce this burden.
Manage Other Health Conditions
Several health conditions can worsen PAD if not properly controlled:
| Condition | Target Goals |
|---|---|
| Blood Pressure | Below 130/80 mm Hg |
| Cholesterol | LDL under 100 mg/dL |
| Blood Sugar | A1C below 7% for diabetes |
Take medications as prescribed and attend regular check-ups to monitor these conditions.
Get Adequate Sleep
Quality sleep helps regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation and worsen circulatory problems. Consider trying:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Gentle yoga
- Talking with friends or a counselor
- Engaging in enjoyable hobbies
Regular Medical Check-ups
See your healthcare provider regularly, especially if you:
- Are over 50
- Have diabetes
- Have a history of smoking
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
Foot Care
If you have PAD, proper foot care is essential:
- Inspect feet daily for cuts, sores, or infections
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
- Keep feet clean and moisturized
- Trim toenails carefully
- See a foot specialist if needed
By combining these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing leg pain from PAD or minimize symptoms if you already have the condition.
