Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, develops slowly over many years. In the early stages, most people with PAD have no symptoms. Only about one out of three people with PAD actually feel there is something wrong with their feet or legs. By that time, their arteries may be so clogged or hardened that they are not getting enough oxygen to supply blood to the leg.

The most common symptoms of PAD include:

• Cramps, tiredness or pain in the legs, thighs or buttocks that always happens when walking but goes away with rest.
• Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep.
• Skin wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes that are slow to heal or do not heal for 8 to 12 weeks.

Answer these four simple questions to determine if you should talk to your physician about PAD:

1. Do you get leg pain while walking?
2. Pain does not have onset while standing or sitting?
3. Does pain occur while walking fast or uphill?
4. Does pain resolve within 10 minutes of standing still?

If you answered YES to all of the questions above, speak to your primary care physician about PAD. Or for a physician referral, call 615-284-LIFE.