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Peripheral Arterial Disease

About

Lower leg artery blockage, also called peripheral artery disease (PAD), occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow. This leads to symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, and wounds that heal slowly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like tissue damage and amputation.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of lower leg artery blockage include cramping or pain in the legs during physical activity (claudication), coldness or numbness in the legs or feet, and slow-healing wounds on the feet or toes. In severe cases, individuals may experience tissue death (gangrene) or non-healing ulcers. Prompt medical evaluation is essential.

Could It Be PAD?

Take Our Quiz and Find Out

PAD/PVD screening

1 / 11

Do you experience pain, cramping, or fatigue in your legs while walking or exercising?

Yes

2 / 11

Have you noticed any changes in the color or temperature of your legs or feet?

Yes

3 / 11

Do you have any wounds or sores on your legs or feet that are slow to heal?

Yes

4 / 11

Have you noticed any swelling or bulging veins in your legs?

Yes

5 / 11

Do you have a family history of peripheral artery disease (PAD) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

Yes

6 / 11

Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk factors for PAD or PVD?

Yes

7 / 11

Do you smoke or have a history of smoking?

Yes

8 / 11

Have you had a previous diagnosis or treatment for PAD or PVD?

Yes

9 / 11

Do you have a sedentary lifestyle or spend long periods of time sitting or standing?

Yes

10 / 11

Have you noticed any changes in the appearance or texture of your skin on your legs or feet?

Yes

11 / 11

Is your BMI over 25?

Yes

Your score is

Treatments

Treatment for lower leg artery blockage aims to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms. This may involve lifestyle changes such as exercise and smoking cessation, medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and procedures like angioplasty with stent placement to open narrowed arteries. In advanced cases, bypass surgery may be necessary to reroute blood flow around blockages. Regular follow-up care is crucial for managing PAD effectively. ‍

Studies Performed

Studies performed to diagnose lower leg artery blockage include ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm to assess arterial blood flow. Duplex ultrasound evaluates blood flow and detects narrowing or blockages in the leg arteries. Angiography provides detailed images of the arteries, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. ‍

Prevention

Preventing lower leg artery blockage involves managing risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and medication. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and a diet low in saturated fats are important. Routine medical check-ups to monitor vascular health help identify and address issues early.

FAQs

Why do my legs cramp when I walk and feel better when I rest?

That pattern, called claudication, is a classic sign of peripheral arterial disease: narrowed arteries limiting blood flow to your legs. It deserves a vascular evaluation, not just rest. Early treatment protects your mobility and your limbs.

What is PAD?

Peripheral arterial disease is plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood to your legs and feet. It can cause walking pain, slow-healing wounds, and, untreated, can threaten the limb itself.

Can PAD be treated without surgery?

Frequently, yes. Treatment starts with medication, walking programs, and risk-factor control, and many blockages can be opened with minimally invasive, office-based procedures rather than open surgery.

Why see a vascular specialist for PAD?

Vascular specialists treat the full range of the disease, from medical management through minimally invasive procedures, so your care is not limited to the tools of a single approach.

Can PAD cause wounds that will not heal?

Yes. Poor circulation is one of the most common reasons foot and leg wounds fail to heal. That is why our wound care and PAD programs work together: treating the circulation treats the cause.