Multiple arteries that are clogged within the leg is termed peripheral arterial disease. In America approximately 8 million Americans suffer from PAD, according the Cleveland Clinic. PAD puts individuals at risk for heart attack, stroke and death. The symptoms of PAD are initially silent but become more noticeable when the number of blockages in the legs increases.
Leg Pain
Leg pain is also known as intermittent claudication, which occurs within the leg muscle. The calf muscle is the most commonly reported site of pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other reported pain areas include the hips, thighs and buttocks. PAD severity is different for all patients and can be described as a discomfort, tightness, heaviness, cramping or weakness in the legs.
Intermittent claudication is triggered with activity such as climbing stairs, walking up an incline or walking for a prolonged period of time. When activity is stopped the pain usually goes away within a few minutes.
Critical leg ischemia occurs with advanced PAD. Advanced PAD patients have an increased amount of blockages in their legs, preventing their legs to receive an adequate amount oxygen while at rest. Patients with critical leg ischemia may experience pain in their feet and toes while at rest or when doing shorter activities.
Foot and Toe Wounds
Blisters and ulcers that remain for a prolonged period of time and refuse to heal are a sign of PAD. They are typically dry, gray or black sores. These sores may eventually progress into gangrene.
Gangrene
Gangrene is tissue death within a certain part of the body, commonly the feet or toes in PAD patients. Gangrene occurs when a body part loses blood supply; in cases of PAD it results from a loss of blood supply to the legs.
Gangrene can cause different symptoms, but mainly affect the skin, such as the skin becoming discolored (black and blue), the skin giving off a foul smell or having a loss of feeling to that particular site. Other common symptoms include confusion, fever, nausea, low blood pressure and severe pain.
Gangrene needs to be treated immediately. Treatment options depend on the severity of tissue loss, but may include antibiotics, emergency operation to find dead tissue and improve blood flow or amputation. Severe gangrene suffers have to continually undergo operations to remove dead tissue.
Decreased Temperature and Blood Pressure
If you have PAD the temperature and blood pressure in your legs will be lower than in your arms. This is caused by your arms receiving more blood than your legs because of fewer blockages. Common symptoms of decreased temperature and blood pressure to the legs include cold feet, leg discoloration and leg numbness.
