Early Warning Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) You Should Never Ignore

Slight soreness in the legs following a long walk may not seem so odd. Perhaps you can blame your shoes, your age or the fact that you skipped the gym for a few days. But what if the pain reappears as soon as you walk and disappears as soon as you stop?

This pattern can be the initial indicator of Peripheral Artery Disease, also referred to as PAD.

PAD is caused by the constriction or clogging of arteries that supply blood to the legs, typically due to plaque deposition. Decreased circulation does not allow the leg muscles and tissues to receive sufficient oxygen-rich blood. Although PAD can be very serious, early diagnosis will enhance your probability of maintaining your mobility and vascular well-being.

The following are some red flags to consider.

1. Leg Pain That Appears While Walking

Leg discomfort that starts during activity and is relieved by rest is the most recognizable PAD symptom. This is referred to as intermittent claudication.

You may experience cramping, pain, tightness, heaviness, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, hip, buttock, or foot.

It has a predictable pattern. Normal muscle pain can persist, and PAD-related pain can often subside after just minutes of rest. Instead of merely walking less to get out of the pain, consider a vascular assessment.

2. One Foot Feels Colder Than the Other

Everyone gets cold feet occasionally. However, when one foot regularly feels noticeably colder than the other, reduced blood flow may be responsible.

PAD can also bring about cold or numb toes, tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling. Such symptoms are hard to ignore, especially when the weather is colder.

Experts at South Florida Vascular Associates can assess circulation issues and determine whether it is PAD or another disease causing the symptoms.

3. Wounds That Are Slow to Heal

A small blister or cut on the foot should gradually improve. Poor circulation may be denying the tissue the oxygen and nutrients it requires when the wound is open and/or recurring, or when the wound is healing very slowly.

PAD sores can occur on the lower limbs: feet, toes, or ankles. They can get infected and develop more severe complications without appropriate treatment.

This is a very important warning sign, particularly to individuals with diabetes who may not instantly notice an injury due to loss of sensation. Do not assume that a stubborn foot wound will clear off by itself.

4. Changes in Skin, Hair, or Toenails

Your legs can reveal more about your circulation than you might expect.

PAD can result in a smooth, shiny, pale, bluish, or discoloured look of the skin. You can also find less hair growth on the legs or slower-growing toenails. These changes occur because the skin, hair follicles, and nails are not getting sufficient blood.

A single change does not automatically mean you have PAD. However, several changes appearing together, particularly with walking pain, numbness, or cold feet, should prompt an evaluation.

5. Leg Weakness, Heaviness, or Poor Balance

PAD is not necessarily accompanied by sharp pain. Some people complain of weakness, non-characteristic fatigue, heaviness or numbness during walking. You might end up walking slowly, not using stairs or taking more frequent breaks without knowing why.

PAD is often not realized, as these symptoms could be confused with aging or lack of fitness. 

Should your normal activities become more difficult, it is preferable to discuss that change with a vascular specialist.

Who Is More Likely to Develop PAD?

PAD risk increases among people who smoke or previously smoked, as well as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of cardiovascular disease. Risk also rises with age.

Having risk factors does not mean PAD is inevitable. It does mean you should pay closer attention to circulation-related symptoms, even when they seem minor.

How Is PAD Diagnosed and Treated?

One of the most commonly used diagnostic tests is the ankle-brachial index (ABI). This is a non-invasive test which measures blood pressure in the ankles and compares it with blood pressure in the arms. Circulation can also be studied by using ultrasound and other imaging to find narrowed arteries.

Treatment is based on the severity of the disease. Supervised exercise, lifestyle changes, and medication can be beneficial in managing PAD and reducing cardiovascular risk. In cases where there is a severe restriction of blood flow, an angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy may be suggested as minimally invasive therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can PAD affect only one leg?

Yes. PAD may begin in one leg, although both legs can eventually be affected. Symptoms may also be more noticeable on one side.

2. Does leg pain always mean PAD?

No. Arthritis, nerve conditions, muscle injuries, and spinal problems can cause similar symptoms. Proper vascular testing is needed to identify the cause.

3. Can you have PAD without leg pain?

Yes. Many people have unusual symptoms or no noticeable symptoms, which is one reason PAD may remain undiagnosed.

4. Is PAD related to heart attacks and strokes?

PAD is associated with the formation of plaque in other arteries that can lead to the risk of heart attack and stroke.

5. Does it mean PAD can be treated without having a major surgery?

Most patients can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, supervised exercises, or minimally invasive procedures, depending on the severity of the disease.

Do Not Let a “Small” Symptom Become a Bigger Problem

Your legs should not have to compete for adequate blood flow. If you walk with pain, numbness, cold feet, skin changes, or slow-healing wounds, your body may be trying to tell you that something is amiss.

South Florida Vascular Associates combines decades of vascular experience with a high level of diagnostic and minimally invasive treatment options. 

Call us to make a PAD appointment. Early assessment can help safeguard your circulation, maintain your mobility, and make the condition easier to manage.