Peripheral artery disease (poor leg circulation)

Overview

Many people have no symptoms.

Severe PAD can cause foot sores that won't heal and leg pain at rest.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Leg pain when walking
• Leg pain when walking that goes away with rest

Less common

• Cold feet
• Slow-healing foot sores
• Shiny skin on legs

When to get medical care

Causes

Plaque in leg arteries.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Over 65

Possible complications

• Heart attack
• Stroke

Diagnosis

A clinician checks pulses and compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm.

Questions you may be asked

• Smoking, diabetes

The exam

Pulse and foot check.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• ABI:
• Ultrasound:

Treatment

Improve blood flow.

Self-care

• Stop smoking
• Walk daily, resting when it hurts and starting again
• Check feet daily
• Control sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Supervised exercise therapy, stents, or bypass for some.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Don't smoke
• Stay active

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a vascular specialist (blood vessel doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment improves walking and lowers risk.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Peripheral artery disease (poor leg circulation)