What is a Peripheral Arterial Disease or P.A.D.?

Commonly referred to as “poor circulation”, Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of P.A.D. include:
• Leg pain that occurs while walking
• Leg pain that occurs while lying down
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Cold legs or feet
• Sores that won’t heal on toes, feet, or legs
• A change in leg color
• Loss of hair on the feet and legs
• Changes in toenails – color and thickness

Risk Factors

Because only half of those with P.A.D. actually experience symptoms, it is important that people with known risk factors be screened or tested for P.A.D. The risk factors include:
• Being over age 50
• Smoking (currently or previously)
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Personal or family history of P.A.D., heart disease, heart attack, stroke
• Sedentary lifestyle

Diagnosis

To diagnose P.A.D., the foot and ankle surgeon obtains a comprehensive medical history of the patient.

Treatment

Treatment for P.A.D. involves lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery.