5 Uncomfortable Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Uncomfortable Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Did you know that peripheral artery disease (PAD) impacts about five percent of Americans above the age of 50? PAD typically impacts the arteries in the legs, but it can also have an effect on other arteries, too. Additionally, while people generally notice aching legs as a first sign of peripheral artery disease, there are several other warning signs that can be very uncomfortable. Because PAD should be treated early, it’s important to be familiar with these symptoms, in order to know when to see a doctor.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that limits blood flow to the extremities. Typically the result of plaque buildup in the arteries, also called atherosclerosis, this narrowing of the arteries prevents the muscles from receiving the blood and oxygen they need during exercise. If it progresses, it can even result in the muscles being deprived of blood and oxygen even during periods of rest. PAD can be addressed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment, but if left untreated, it can significantly raise a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke.

5 Signs of PAD You Shouldn’t Ignore

How can you tell if you have developed peripheral artery disease? These five signs should signal that a trip to the doctor is warranted.

1. Leg cramps and burning while walking: If you have pain or cramping in your legs or hips when you are walking or climbing stairs, it could be PAD. Note whether the symptom disappears after you rest a few moments, and if they do, consult your doctor.
2. Skin that is colder on one leg than the other: Blood circulating through your skin makes the skin feel warm, and when the blood flow is restricted, the skin can feel cold to the touch. If your feet and lower legs feel cold, particularly if one feels colder than the other, this can be a sign of PAD.
3. Numbness or weakness in the legs: Legs that feel unusually weak or numb can indicate a problem with vascular health. A tingling or weakness in the legs can be the result of restricted blood flow, so don’t assume it’s just fatigue- schedule an appointment with your doctor.
4. Slow healing sores: When blood can’t adequately circulate through your legs and feet, it slows the healing process. Deprived of the oxygen, nutrients, and other healing elements that blood brings, damaged tissue can’t heal as quickly. What’s more, diminished blood flow doesn’t carry away toxins effectively, making healing even more difficult.
5. Hair loss on legs: If the hair on your legs is growing more slowly, or you notice hair loss, it could be a sign that the legs aren’t getting the appropriate blood supply.

Symptoms of PAD in Feet

There are other PAD symptoms that affect the feet, and while they might not be as uncomfortable, they are still worth noting. The toenails of someone with peripheral artery disease may grow slowly, or they may become unusually thick. The feet might turn bright red when the person sits with feet dangling, and the toes may become numb or cold. If you have PAD, your doctor might notice a weakened pulse in one or both of your feet during an exam.

PAD Skin Conditions: Peripheral Artery Disease Rash and PAD Skin Discoloration

Another sign of PAD is a change in the color of the skin on the legs. Legs that look bluish or paler than usual are a subtle sign that something is wrong with the circulation. You might also note that your skin texture has changed, and your skin looks smooth or shiny. This, along with the itching that may come along with it, indicates poor blood flow. You may also develop a rash, with dry, itchy, scaly skin that can develop into ulcers without attention.

Why These Symptoms Matter

Discomfort in your legs or feet may not seem to be much of a concern, but PAD is not something to ignore. Left untreated, peripheral artery disease substantially increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. As with most health issues, PAD is best treated early, and it can be managed with medical therapies and lifestyle changes.

What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. You may also need to see a cardiologist, who can help you address your symptoms and manage your condition. PAD is a lifelong condition, and cannot be cured, but with some lifestyle changes and medical care, the symptoms can be lessened or even reversed. A cardiologist can advise you on next steps, but if you suddenly can’t feel or move your foot, or it looks significantly different from your other foot, go to the emergency room. This can mean sudden loss of blood flow to the leg, which can be indicative of a more serious, possibly life-threatening condition.

FAQs:

• What are the first peripheral artery disease signs and symptoms?
  Typically, people with PAD first notice aching, tired, cramping legs when walking.
• Are there PAD skin changes, like rashes or discoloration?
  PAD can cause the skin to feel tight, become shiny, and develop a dry, itchy, scaly texture. As the disease progresses, slow-healing ulcers can develop, and this can be dangerous.
• Is leg pain always one of the signs of PAD in legs?
  No, and in fact, about 40 percent of people with PAD do not experience leg pain. That’s one reason why regular medical appointments are important, so that your doctor can detect issues like PAD, even if you aren’t experiencing typical symptoms.
• How is PAD diagnosed?
  To determine if you have peripheral artery disease, your doctor will probably start with a noninvasive test called the ankle brachial index (ABI), which measures the blood pressure in the ankles. Additionally, tests like ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomographic angiography can be used in the diagnostic process.
• What treatments are available for PAD?

The symptoms of PAD can be improved by lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating a nutritious diet. There are also medications that can help, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to address blocked arteries.

For PAD and Other Cardiovascular Issues, Trust the Team at Cardiac Solutions

If you are concerned about symptoms of PAD, don’t hesitate to reach out to the innovative team of cardiologists at Cardiac Solutions. Dedicated to prioritizing patient care, we provide comprehensive cardiac treatment, addressing our patients’ medical concerns holistically and compassionately. With a focus on prevention, we provide education for our patients at our nurse-directed clinics, aiming to halt the advancement of cardiovascular disease and reduce the need for surgical procedures. We are dedicated to providing patient-centered care through teamwork, honesty, integrity, and a commitment to promoting wellness through innovative technology and personalized treatment. Our practice began as a physician-owned facility, in 1984, and from there we have grown to include clinics in multiple cities, each with a sterling reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care. If you are seeking cardiac care in Peoria, Glendale, or Sun City, you can trust that when you contact us today, you put your heart in good hands.