Your feet depend on healthy blood flow to receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. When blood flow to the legs and feet becomes reduced, it may be a sign of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
P.A.D. stands for Peripheral Artery Disease. It is a circulation condition that occurs when the arteries that carry blood to your legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow.
Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. When blood flow to your legs and feet is reduced, your feet may not receive the oxygen they need to stay healthy.
P.A.D. can develop gradually, and some people may have P.A.D. without noticeable symptoms. Others may experience symptoms such as leg pain or cramping when walking, cold feet, numbness or weakness, changes in skin color.
Because P.A.D. may not always cause noticeable symptoms, knowing the risk factors and paying attention to changes in your feet and legs is important.
What Are Some Signs of Poor Circulation?
Circulation problems can affect everyone differently. Some possible signs include:
- Leg or foot pain, cramping, or aching when walking or exercising
- Pain that improves when you stop and rest
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet
- Changes in the color of your feet or toes
- Slow-growing toenails or changes in the appearance of your nails
- Sores or wounds on your feet or legs that heal slowly
- Decreased hair growth on your legs or feet
- One foot feeling colder than the other
- Leg fatigue or heaviness when walking
Not everyone with PAD has symptoms. This is one reason circulation screening can be important, particularly for people who have risk factors for circulation problems.
Who Is at Risk for PAD?
PAD Risk Factors
- Diabetes
- Smoking history
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Increasing age
- History of heart disease
- Family history of vascular disease
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