Don’t ignore leg pain: What your body may be telling you
If you've ever had to slow down during a walk, stop mid-shopping trip or rest because your legs feel tight, heavy or crampy you're not alone.
Many adults over 40 years old may blame leg discomfort during activity on aging, arthritis or muscle fatigue. But when symptoms improve with rest and return with movement, it may be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD) — a concerning circulation condition that deserves attention.
Jason Martinez, MD, vascular surgeon at Main Line Health, explains the dangers of PAD and how to tell if it's the cause of your leg pain.
What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)
PAD develops when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs, narrowing your blood vessels and limiting oxygen delivery to muscles.
"The reduced circulation due to PAD doesn't just affect your legs," explains Dr. Martinez. "PAD is also linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious cardiovascular conditions."
Signs your leg pain may be more than normal aging
Is it PAD or something else
PAD symptoms often mimic conditions like arthritis, sciatica or simple muscle fatigue. Since they can be caused by many different conditions, it make it easy to downplay these symptoms.
Common PAD-specific symptoms to watch out for include:
- Cramping, aching or heaviness in the calves, thighs or buttocks while walking (this is known as claudication)
- Pain or discomfort that improves as you rest
- Tired legs that may feel weak during activity
- Cold feet or one leg that feels colder than the other
- Numbness or slow-healing wounds in your lower limbs
- Skin color changes on the legs
- Hair loss that makes your leg skin look shiny
When to worry
Symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, making them harder to track. If these symptoms are starting to get more frequent or worse, that's when you need to take action.
Call 610.565.8564 to talk to a vascular specialist about your specific risk for PAD.
Who is most at risk of PAD
You could be more at risk than you think. The following factors increase your risk of PAD:
- Smoking history
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Age 65+
- History of heart disease or stroke
Many people with PAD don't realize they have it, making awareness especially important.
Why early diagnosis matters
PAD is progressive, meaning if it's not treated, it can get worse. But the good news is that early diagnosis and care can:
- Improve walking and mobility
- Reduce discomfort
- Help prevent serious complications, such as stroke or leg amputation
- Lower overall cardiovascular risk or prevent a heart attack
"The earlier we identify PAD, the more options we have to improve circulation and help patients stay active and independent," says Dr. Martinez.
How PAD is diagnosed
Evaluation is typically quick, easy and painless. During screening, your clinician may:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Use simple noninvasive tests to measure blood flow in the legs, such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI)
These screenings are quick and can help detect circulation issues early, so you can keep up with your active life. Call 610.565.8564 to schedule a PAD screening at Main Line Health.
Treatment options have advanced significantly
Treatment for PAD depends on how far along it is, but the goal is always the same: improve blood flow and help you stay active.
Options to treat PAD may include:
- Lifestyle changes and structured walking programs
- Smoking cessation support
- Medications to improve circulation
- Minimally invasive procedures that allow for faster healing such as:
- Angioplasty to open a clogged blood vessel
- Stenting to prevent a blood vessel from narrowing
- Atherectomy to remove plaque in arteries
- Surgery in more advanced cases like for calcified PAD
"Many patients are surprised to learn that effective PAD treatments are often minimally invasive and can help relieve symptoms while improving quality of life," says Dr. Martinez.
"Today, we have more options than ever to restore circulation and reduce symptoms," Dr. Martinez adds. "Even without major surgery, modern improvements in procedures help you get better faster with fewer complications."
When should you see a specialist
You should get a vascular evaluation if:
- Walking regularly causes pain or a heavy feel in your leg
- Symptoms limit your daily activities
- You have wounds or sores that won't heal
- One leg feels colder or weaker than the other
- You have diabetes or a smoking history with these symptoms
Waiting to talk to someone can mean your symptoms and risk of PAD will increase.
Schedule an evaluation with a vascular specialist at Main Line Health by calling 610.565.8564.
What can you do now to improve circulation
While a formal medical diagnosis is important, there are steps you can take today to help blood circulate in your legs, including:
- Staying active with regular walking or low-impact exercise
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Talking with your clinician about symptoms early
What does PAD leg pain feel like?
PAD leg pain — often called intermittent claudication — typically feels like cramping, aching, tightness or heaviness in the calves, thighs or buttocks during walking or activity. A key sign is that the discomfort improves with rest and returns when you start moving again.
Is PAD the same as poor circulation?
PAD is a type of poor circulation, but it has a specific cause: narrowed or blocked arteries from plaque buildup. While "poor circulation" is a general term, PAD is a medical condition that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke if not treated.
Can PAD symptoms come and go?
Yes. PAD symptoms often come and go depending on your activity level. Many people only notice symptoms when walking or exercising, which is why they're often dismissed or misunderstood early on.
Does leg pain from PAD happen at rest or only when walking?
In the early stages, PAD pain usually occurs during walking or activity and improves with rest. As the condition progresses, symptoms may happen even at rest, particularly in your feet or toes.
Can PAD be reversed?
While plaque buildup cannot usually be completely reversed, PAD can be effectively managed and improved. Treatment can restore blood flow, reduce symptoms and slow progression, especially when identified early.
Is PAD dangerous if left untreated?
Yes. PAD is a progressive condition and can lead to dangerous complications, including:
- Reduced mobility and daily functioning
- Non-healing wounds or infections
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- In advanced cases, limb-threatening complications that could lead to amputation
The severe consequences of PAD are why early diagnosis is so important.
What's the difference between PAD and sciatica?
Although both can cause leg pain, they have different causes:
- PAD: A circulation problem; symptoms are triggered by activity and improve with rest
- Sciatica: A nerve issue; pain may feel sharp, burning or radiating and does not consistently improve with rest
Because symptoms can overlap, a medical evaluation is the best way to determine if your leg pain is due to PAD or sciatica.
Can younger adults get PAD?
PAD is more common in adults over 65, but younger adults can develop this condition, especially if they have risk factors like smoking, diabetes or a family history of vascular disease.
If you notice recurring leg heaviness or fatigue during activity — particularly if it improves with rest — it's worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor.
Still have questions about your symptoms
"Leg pain while walking is not something you have to simply live with," explains Dr. Martinez. "It may be your body telling you that you have a circulation problem that can and should be addressed.
A PAD screening is quick, noninvasive and can help protect your mobility and overall health.
Take the first step toward better circulation, call 610.565.8564 to schedule a PAD screening.
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