Overview
Peripheral artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the limbs, usually the legs, caused by fatty buildup. Reduced blood flow can cause leg pain with walking that eases with rest. It is also a warning sign of artery disease elsewhere, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Early recognition allows treatment to protect the limb and overall health.
Symptoms
- Leg pain or cramping when walking that eases with rest
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot
- Sores on the feet or legs that heal slowly
- Color changes in the skin of the legs
- Weak or absent pulses in the feet
- Reduced hair growth on the legs
Causes & risk factors
- Atherosclerosis (fatty buildup in arteries)
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Increasing age
- Family history of vascular disease
Treatment & self-care
Care centers on improving blood flow, relieving symptoms, protecting the feet, and lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. This generally involves lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and supervised walking programs, managing related conditions, and in some cases procedures to restore blood flow, all guided by a licensed clinician.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have leg pain or cramping when walking
- You have a foot or leg wound that will not heal
- You notice color changes, coldness, or numbness in a limb
- You have sudden severe leg pain, coldness, or paleness — seek urgent care
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.