Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where the large blood vessels in the legs are narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits, leading to reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. Many people do not have symptoms until PAD has progressed.
The most common early symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is intermittent claudication, which is pain or cramping in the legs or buttocks that starts with physical activity such as walking, then goes away when you rest. This pain is often described as a deep ache, especially in the calf muscle, but may affect the thigh, hip or button.
Other symptoms may include:
- Numbness in the leg or a sense of one leg getting tired when walking
- Muscle weakness or atrophy (wasting away)
- Cold or numb foot or toes
- Smooth, shiny skin or hair loss on the leg
- Decreased pulse in the ankle or feet
As PAD progresses or becomes more severe, the following symptoms may occur:
- Leg pain at rest, even without exercise
- Muscle pain that wakes you up from sleep
- Pale or blue skin in the affected leg
- Ulcers (sores) in the legs or feet that are slow to heal or don’t heal
- Gangrene development (tissue death)
These symptoms indicate reduced blood flow to the legs and can have serious consequences if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help reduce progression or complications, which can include heart attack or stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.