Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that can cause leg pain that gets worse with activity. Muscle pain that gets worse with activity and better with rest is called “claudication.”
PAD affects the blood vessels (called arteries) that bring blood to the legs. Normally, blood flows easily through arteries to all parts of the body. But sometimes, fatty clumps called “plaques” build up inside the walls of arteries. Plaques can cause arteries to become narrow or blocked. This prevents blood from flowing normally. When muscles do not get enough blood, symptoms can occur.
Some people have a greater chance of getting PAD, such as those who:
- Smoke
- Have diabetes
- Have high cholesterol
- Have high blood pressure
What Are The Symptoms Of PAD?
PAD often causes pain in the back of the lower leg. The pain usually gets worse with walking and exercise, and gets better with rest. PAD can also cause pain in the feet, thighs, or buttocks. People who have leg pain can have other symptoms, too, such as:
- Trouble walking up stairs
- Trouble getting an erection (in men) or trouble with sexual arousal (in women)
Symptoms of claudication can be mild or severe, depending on:
- Which arteries are affected
- How narrow the arteries are
- How much activity a person does
Is There A Test For PAD?
Yes. Your surgeon can do different tests to find out if you have PAD, and to check how severe it is. He might:
- Take the blood pressures in your arm and ankle at rest and right after exercise, and compare them
- Order a blood vessel imaging test such as an ultrasound, which can show pictures of your leg arteries
EXAMINATION DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes