Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a serious medical condition. It is diagnosed when you have atherosclerosis in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. Atherosclerosis means that your arteries have become hardened and narrow. In the legs, it can lead to mild or severe symptoms. Complications can arise if arteries become completely blocked, including gangrene and loss of a limb. If you recognize the symptoms, consult your doctor about taking steps to manage this disease.
Pain
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that the most common symptom of PAD is pain or cramping in the legs, buttocks and/or hips. The pain tends to be worse when you are active, such as when walking or climbing stairs, and then resolves when you rest. It is referred to as intermittent claudication. The pain occurs because the blocked artery is prohibiting the muscles from getting the blood and oxygen they need to move. The AHA notes that you should not dismiss constant pain as a normal part of aging. The pain associated with PAD occurs in the muscles, not the joints.
Additional Symptoms
As this disease progresses, eventually the pain occurs even when you are resting. In addition to the pain, your legs also might feel tight, heavy or weak. You also might notice cuts or wounds on your legs do not heal as they should. One or both of your legs and/or feet may be much cooler then the rest of your body.
Severe Symptoms
As blood flow to your legs diminishes, the pulse in your legs might become very weak. If PAD goes untreated, you could develop painful sores on your toes or feet. Your toes also might become a bluish color due to lack of oxygen. Any sore might turn into ulcers and become gray or black. These sores eventually could cause your tissue to die, and you can develop gangrene. In severe cases, the affected area might be amputated.
