Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is more common than many may realize, and the risk increases with age. Over 6.5 million US adults aged 40 and over are living with PAD. Yet, it often goes undiagnosed during its early stages.
PAD happens when arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become narrowed, limiting circulation. Left untreated, this reduced blood flow can cause pain, restrict mobility, and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
The team at Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates, led by cardiovascular specialist Nader Chadda, MD, FACC, FSCAI, helps patients spot PAD symptoms early and take steps to protect their long-term health. Knowing the warning signs means you can take action to get an accurate diagnosis and effective management for vascular issues like PAD. Here are some of those signs:
Leg discomfort, cramping, or pain are some of the earliest signs of PAD. These leg issues are particularly notable during or just after physical activity such as climbing stairs or walking. This discomfort, called claudication, usually eases with rest but comes back once activity resumes.
If you experience new or worsening symptoms such as leg discomfort, you might attribute it to aging, but recurring leg pain with movement is a red flag. Think of it as your body’s way of signaling that blood flow isn’t keeping up with your muscles’ needs. If daily walks, grocery shopping, or light exercise leave your legs aching, it’s time to get checked out.
Circulation fuels not only your muscles but also your nerves, which rely on good circulation. When arteries narrow, nerves get deprived of enough oxygen, which can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness. Some patients describe it as their legs feeling unusually heavy, even after minimal activity.
Over time, this can impact balance and make it harder to stay active. If you notice your legs don’t feel as strong or responsive as they once did, poor circulation could be the reason.
It’s normal for hands and feet to feel chilly from time to time, but persistent coldness in one leg compared to the other deserves attention. PAD often affects one side more than the other, and the temperature difference can be noticeable.
You may also spot color changes in the skin, with one leg looking paler, bluish, or even shiny. These subtle changes are easy to brush aside, but they’re important clues that circulation isn’t what it should be.
Good blood flow plays a crucial role in healing, and when circulation is poor, wounds have trouble recovering. Even a small scrape or blister on the foot can take weeks or longer to heal. Non-healing wounds can become infected and, in severe cases, lead to dangerous complications like gangrene and amputation.
If you notice that cuts or sores on your feet or legs are slow to heal, it’s a strong indicator that something is amiss with your circulation.
PAD doesn’t just affect how your legs feel, it can also change how they look. Reduced circulation can slow hair growth, make toenails brittle, and leave the skin on the legs thin and fragile.
These changes might not cause discomfort, but they’re important signals that reduced blood flow to the legs might be depriving them of nutrients. When these changes happen along with other symptoms, it’s wise to seek evaluation.
Peripheral artery disease doesn’t develop overnight, but once symptoms appear, it can progress quickly. The good news is that with early diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to improve circulation, ease symptoms, and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures can all play a role in improving and protecting vascular health.
With advanced techniques, our team focuses on helping patients feel better and move more easily.
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Call or message our offices in Hudson or Brooksville, Florida, today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improved circulation and vascular health.
