Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow, most commonly to the legs and feet. It may cause leg pain while walking, numbness, weakness, cold feet, skin color changes, or wounds that heal slowly. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve mobility and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms include leg pain while walking (claudication), muscle cramps, reduced circulation, and non-healing foot or leg wounds. Doctors may evaluate medical history, circulation and pulses, and perform an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. Doppler ultrasound and CT or MR angiography may be recommended when additional assessment is needed.
PAD Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of PAD and the patient's overall health. Management may include smoking cessation, cholesterol and blood-pressure control, diabetes management, antiplatelet medicines, statin therapy, and structured exercise. Supervised exercise therapy can improve walking ability and functional status.
For patients with significant symptoms or severely reduced blood flow, angioplasty, stent placement, or surgical revascularization may be considered. The appropriate approach depends on the location and severity of arterial blockage.