Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a problem with blood flow in the arteries, usually the legs. Poor circulation and blockage of blood in the leg arteries produces an aching, tired, and sometimes burning pain in the legs .
The pain from PAD is brought on by exercise, and relieved by rest. The limping that occurs from the leg pain is called claudication.
Alternative Names: Blockage of leg arteries; Claudication; Intermittent claudication; Vaso-occlusive disease of the legs; Arterial insufficiency of the legs; Recurrent leg pain and cramping; Calf pain with exercise
Considerations:
This condition may occur in both legs, and the symptoms often get worse over time. However, some people complain only of weakness in the legs when walking, or a feeling of "tiredness" in the buttocks. Impotence is an occasional complaint in men. Pain at rest is uncommon.
Common Causes:
This condition is due to atherosclerosis or peripheral vascular disease . Narrowed or blocked arteries can occur anywhere in the body. If they occur in the heart, a person may have chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack. If arteries are blocked or narrowed in the neck or the brain, a person may have a stroke.
Intermittent claudication is when the blockage occurs in the legs, most commonly in the calf or the foot. It occurs only at certain times, such as after a period of walking, and is relieved by rest.
Atherosclerosis can occur for many reasons such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Home Care:
Talk to your doctor about the cause of your leg cramping and about what to do at home to relieve it. A healthy diet is important to keep atherosclerosis from getting worse.
A program of daily walking for short periods, and stopping for pain or cramping, may help improve function. You MUST stop smoking.
Avoid placing hot or cold items on legs. Avoid tight shoes.
Have your doctor check any non-healing wounds on the lower legs and feet.
Call your health care provider if:
There are many other causes of leg pain such as arthritis or low blood potassium. However, some causes of leg pain may be life threatening such a blood clot in the legs. Seek medical attention if you have:
Chest pain or shortness of breath with leg pain
Diabetes
If you are pregnant
Leg pain that does not go away
Legs that are red, hot, or swollen
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your cramping leg pain and other symptoms such as:
Do you have leg cramps at night?
How often does leg pain with cramping occur?
Is it getting worse?
Is the pain sharp?
Is there an aching pain with the cramps?
Is it worse after you exercise?
Is it worse after you are standing?
Do you smoke? How much?
Do you drink alcohol? How much?
Are you diabetic? How well is your blood sugar controlled?
Surgery or angioplasty may be recommended if claudication interferes with your activities or work, and if the diseased arteries are likely to improve after corrective treatment.
Prevention:
References:
Creager MA, Libby P. Peripheral arterial disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: chap. 57.
Review Date: 5/12/2008 Reviewed By: Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
