Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Plaque builds up in the arteries of the legs, so less blood reaches the muscles and skin. PAD can cause pain when walking and makes wounds slow to heal. A simple, painless test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI) can detect it.
When to get help now: A leg that suddenly turns cold, pale, numb or very painful is an emergency. Call 911.
Warning signs
- Cramping or pain in the calf, thigh or hip when walking that goes away with rest
- Cold feet or legs
- Weak or missing pulses in the feet
- Shiny skin or hair loss on the legs
- Toenails that grow slowly
Who is at risk
- Smokers and former smokers
- People with diabetes
- Age over 65, or over 50 with risk factors
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Kidney disease
How we treat it
Medically reviewed by: [Clinician name, credentials] · Last reviewed: [date]