Peripheral artery disease, also referred to as PAD, happens when the arteries in your legs (or less commonly, in your arms) become narrowed or blocked. This makes it harder for blood to flow, especially to your lower body.

PAD is more common as people get older. You’re also more likely to get PAD if you smoke or have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of the condition. Many people with PAD don’t know they have it, however, because symptoms can be easy to ignore or mistake for something else.

Here are 7 of the most common signs of PAD:

1. Leg pain when walking but not at rest. One of the most common signs of PAD is pain or cramping in the legs while walking, climbing stairs or exercising. The pain usually goes away when you rest. This happens because your muscles aren’t getting enough blood while you’re active.
2. Numbness or weakness in your legs. If your legs or feet feel weak or numb, especially after moving around, it could be a sign of reduced blood flow. You may also feel heaviness or tiredness in your legs.
3. Cold feet or legs. If one leg or foot feels colder than the other, it could mean blood isn’t circulating well to one side of your body.
4. Slow-healing wounds. Sores or cuts on your legs or feet that take a long time to heal might be a sign of PAD. Without enough blood flow, your body has a harder time fighting off infection and repairing damaged tissue.
5. Changes in skin or nails. Does the skin on your legs or feet look shiny or tight? Are your toenails growing slowly or becoming thick and brittle? These can be clues that your circulation isn’t great.
6. Weak or no pulse in the legs or feet. Doctors often check the pulse in your legs and feet. If it’s weak or missing, that can be a sign that blood isn’t moving through the arteries as it should.
7. Pain at rest or while lying down. As PAD gets worse, some people feel pain even when they’re resting. You may wake up with foot or toe pain that gets better when you dangle your legs off the bed.

You can also evaluate your risk factors for PAD by completing our online risk assessment.

What to Do if You Have Symptoms of PAD

If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor. Your doctor may do a simple test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI). It compares the blood pressure in your ankle and arm to see how well blood is flowing. Other tests like ultrasound or blood work may also be used to diagnose PAD.

If it is determined that you have PAD, treatment often includes lifestyle changes such as:

• Quitting smoking
• Exercising more, especially walking
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes

In some cases, you may also need medication or a procedure to help open up blocked arteries.

If you notice pain, coldness or other changes in your legs or feet, don’t ignore it. The sooner you are diagnosed with PAD, the better your chances are of staying active and healthy. Keep in mind that PAD is a sign that your arteries are clogged, compromising your circulation. This means that in addition to affecting your legs, it may also increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to any signs of the disease and be proactive about getting it checked out.

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