Peripheral artery disease Health Article

Definition

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a problem with blood flow in the arteries, usually the legs. Poor circulation and blockage of blood in the leg arteries produces an aching, tired, and sometimes burning pain in the legs.

The pain from PAD is brought on by exercise, and relieved by rest. The limping that occurs from the leg pain is called claudication.

Alternative Names

Blockage of leg arteries; Claudication; Intermittent claudication; Vaso-occlusive disease of the legs; Arterial insufficiency of the legs; Recurrent leg pain and cramping; Calf pain with exercise

Considerations

This condition may occur in both legs, and the symptoms often get worse over time. However, some people complain only of weakness in the legs when walking, or a feeling of "tiredness" in the buttocks. Impotence is an occasional complaint in men. Pain at rest is uncommon.

Common Causes

This condition is due to atherosclerosis or peripheral vascular disease. Narrowed or blocked arteries can occur anywhere in the body. If they occur in the heart, a person may have chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack. If arteries are blocked or narrowed in the neck or the brain, a person may have a stroke.

Intermittent claudication is when the blockage occurs in the legs, most commonly in the calf or the foot. It occurs only at certain times, such as after a period of walking, and is relieved by rest.

Atherosclerosis can occur for many reasons such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Home Care

Talk to your doctor about the cause of your leg cramping and about what to do at home to relieve it. A healthy diet is important to keep atherosclerosis from getting worse.

A program of daily walking for short periods, and stopping for pain or cramping, may help improve function. You MUST stop smoking.

Avoid placing hot or cold items on legs. Avoid tight shoes.

Have your doctor check any non-healing wounds on the lower legs and feet.