Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Know the Warning Signs
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) happens when the arteries that carry blood to your legs become narrowed or blocked by plaque or calcium buildup. When this happens, your legs may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, especially during activity. Many people assume leg pain is just part of getting older, but pain with walking is not a normal part of aging. PAD is more common in individuals with risk factors such as aging, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and lack of exercise.
Examples of diabetic and vascular-related foot ulcers along the spectrum of disease. From left to right: a neuropathic ulcer caused primarily by nerve damage and pressure, a neuroischemic ulcer resulting from both poor circulation and neuropathy, and an ischemic foot with tissue damage due to severe lack of blood flow. Early recognition and treatment are critical to prevent infection and limb loss.
Common warning signs of PAD include:
- Cramping, tightness, or aching in the hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet when walking that improves with rest
- Leg fatigue or heaviness after short distances
- Cold feet or toes
- Slow-healing cuts or sores on the feet
- Shiny skin or hair loss on the legs
- Foot pain at night that improves when you hang your leg off the bed
More advanced symptoms can include constant foot pain, non-healing wounds, or blackened toes — which require urgent evaluation.
Wilmington Health Vascular Surgery is offering peripheral artery disease (PAD) screenings using the ankle-brachial index (ABI). This painless, non-invasive test takes only a few minutes and is highly accurate in detecting circulation problems in the legs. Early detection allows for earlier treatment, improved mobility, and prevention of serious complications.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 910-763-6289. For emergent or same-day appointment requests, please call our Limb Salvage Line at 910-772-5580.