PAD may cause cramping, aching, heaviness, or fatigue in the legs during walking. Symptoms often improve with rest, but PAD can also cause numbness, coldness, color changes, weak pulses, or slow-healing wounds.

PAD is one form of poor circulation. It usually happens when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs or feet. Evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are related to PAD or another medical condition.

PAD is commonly caused by plaque buildup inside the arteries. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease, older age, and a history of heart disease or stroke.

Diagnosis may include a review of symptoms, pulse checks, ankle-brachial index testing, ultrasound, or other imaging. If wounds are present, circulation and wound-healing risk may also be evaluated.

Some patients improve with walking programs, medication review, smoking cessation, and management of diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure. If blood flow is severely reduced or wounds are not healing, minimally invasive vascular treatment may be considered.

Seek evaluation if leg pain limits walking, symptoms are worsening, one foot feels colder than the other, or a sore on the foot or leg is slow to heal. Prompt care is especially important for rest pain, sudden color change, or worsening wounds.