A long walk or challenging workout can leave your legs feeling tired. But recurring leg pain during ordinary activities, such as walking through a store, climbing stairs or reaching the end of the block, may be a sign of something more serious.
September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, making it an important time to recognize symptoms that are often mistaken for aging, arthritis or being out of shape.
PAD occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the legs. Here are five warning signs worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
One of the most common symptoms of PAD is discomfort that begins after walking a certain distance and improves when you stop to rest. This is called intermittent claudication.
The discomfort may feel like:
It most often affects the calf but can also occur in the thigh, hip, buttock or foot.
A key feature of PAD-related leg pain is its repeatability. You may rest for a few minutes, feel better and then experience the same discomfort when you resume walking.
This cycle happens because active muscles need more oxygen-rich blood. If an artery is narrowed, it may not be able to meet that increased demand.
Pay attention if your usual walk has become more difficult or you need to stop more frequently. A gradual decrease in walking distance can signal that circulation to the leg is worsening.
People sometimes unknowingly adjust their routines to avoid discomfort. They may walk more slowly, take fewer stairs or stop participating in activities they once enjoyed. These changes are worth mentioning during a medical evaluation.
PAD does not always affect both legs equally. One foot or leg may feel colder, weaker or more numb than the other. You might also notice changes in skin color, reduced hair growth or slower toenail growth.
These symptoms can have several causes, but when they occur alongside walking-related pain, a vascular evaluation may be appropriate.
Reduced circulation can make it harder for the body to heal. A sore, blister or cut on the foot or toes that heal very slowly, or does not heal at all, should not be ignored.
Pain in the foot or toes while resting, particularly at night, can also indicate more advanced circulation problems and should be evaluated promptly.
Not every case of leg pain is caused by PAD. Joint problems, nerve compression, muscle injuries and other conditions can produce similar symptoms. A vascular surgeon can help determine whether circulation is contributing to your discomfort.
Testing may include an ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure at the ankle and arm, or a noninvasive vascular ultrasound to evaluate blood flow.
PAD is also associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, so recognizing it can provide important information about your overall cardiovascular health.
During PAD Awareness Month, take recurring leg pain seriously. If walking regularly causes pain, cramping, heaviness or fatigue, schedule an evaluation with The Cardiovascular Care Group.
Seek immediate medical attention for sudden severe leg pain, especially if the leg or foot becomes cold, pale, numb or difficult to move.
Medical information verified against current guidance from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute