Many people dismiss leg pain or cramps as a sign of ageing or fatigue. Sometimes, it’s more than that — it could be Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a circulation problem that affects blood flow to the legs. Doctify connects patients with trusted cardiologists and vascular specialists who diagnose and treat PAD early to prevent complications.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
PAD is a condition where arteries that supply blood to the legs become narrowed by fatty deposits, also known as atherosclerosis. This causes reduction of the circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles, especially during walking or exercise. It’s a common but often overlooked condition, particularly in people over 50 or with risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking.
Common symptoms of PAD
The symptoms of PAD can be many, yet the most common are:
- Cramping or pain in the calves, thighs, or buttocks during activity that eases with rest (intermittent claudication).
- Coldness, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs.
- Sores or wounds that heal slowly on the feet or toes.
- Shiny skin, hair loss on the legs.
- Weak pulses in the feet or legs.
It is important to have in mind that early diagnosis can prevent serious complications, such as ulcers or tissue damage.
How PAD differs from other causes of leg pain
PAD differs from other causes of leg pain, here are some tips that can help you identify one from another. Generally muscle fatigue or joint pain improves with stretching or rest in other causes of leg pain, but PAD pain is linked to poor circulation, so you will feel no improvement with that. Also in PAD, the discomfort often appears after walking a specific distance and eases when stopping — a key clue for doctors. Left untreated, PAD can progress silently and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
What causes PAD?
The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques inside artery walls. But, there are also multiple risk factors, which include: smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history of cardiovascular disease.
How PAD is diagnosed
The diagnosis of PAD is performed by cardiologists and vascular specialists. First, a physical examination, which includes checking pulses in the legs and feet. Afterwards, the calculation of the ankle–brachial index (ABI) that compares blood pressure in the arms and ankles. Later, an ultrasound or angiography that visualises blood flow and identifies blockages. Additionally, a CT or MRI scans may be used to map arteries before planning treatment.
Treatment options for PAD
Lifestyle changes:
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol — the most effective way to slow PAD progression.
- Exercise therapy: walking programmes improve blood flow and reduce pain, minimum 150 minutes per week of exercise.
- Healthy diet: focus on fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy fats to support vascular health.
- Drinking more water: each person should drink approximately 2-3 liters of water each day, depending on their weight and gender.
Medications:
- Drugs to improve circulation, lower cholesterol, or control blood pressure, prescribed by cardiologists and vascular specialists
- Antiplatelet agents to prevent clot formation, as well, prescribed by cardiologists and vascular specialists.
Procedures:
- Angioplasty: a small balloon opens blocked arteries, sometimes with a stent.
- Bypass surgery: reroutes blood around a blocked artery.
- Endarterectomy: removes plaque buildup from artery walls.
Cardiologists and vascular specialists study each case and decide what is best for each patient.
Living well with PAD
Frequently, patients live well with PAD. It is essential for patients to assist with regularity to follow-up appointments with cardiologists or vascular surgeons. Patients should manage and take care closely of their diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Lastly, patients should keep legs warm, avoid tight footwear, and inspect feet regularly for sores or wounds.
When to See a Doctor
If you feel or experience any of the following, please consult a cardiologists or vascular specialist:
- Persistent leg pain, cramps, or numbness during activity.
- Slow-healing wounds or changes in skin colour on the legs.
Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life. Doctify makes it easy to find a vascular or cardiology specialist for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
PAD is a treatable cause of leg pain that signals poor circulation — and early care makes all the difference. with the right diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and treatment, you can restore mobility and protect your heart health. We invite you to book an appointment via Doctify with a verified cardiology or vascular specialist for expert evaluation and management of PAD.
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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 26/10/2025
