What is peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular condition where arteries in your legs, pelvic area, or arms become narrowed or blocked, usually due to plaque buildup. This limits how much blood can get through and may lead to symptoms like leg pain.
What causes PAD?
PAD occurs when fatty deposits, called plaques, build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the extremities. PAD most commonly affects the legs (lower extremities) and occasionally the arms (upper extremities). Reduced blood flow can lead to pain, slow wound healing, and an increased risk of infections.
What are the symptoms of PAD?
The symptoms of PAD can vary depending on the location and severity of the artery blockages. Common symptoms include:
- Pain, cramping, or fatigue in the muscles of the legs or arms during physical activity or exercise. The pain often subsides with rest.
- Reduced sensation or weakness in the legs or arms, especially during movement.
- Wounds or sores on the extremities that take longer to heal than usual.
- Cold skin or a bluish tint to the extremities due to reduced blood flow.
How is PAD diagnosed?
Your provider will perform a physical exam and review your medical history and current symptoms. They will closely examine your bare feet and feel your pulse in different areas of your leg.
Certain tests, like a CT angiogram or vascular ultrasound, can help your provider diagnose PAD and determine the severity.
What are treatment options for PAD?
Treatment for PAD aims to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Common treatment options include:
- Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, following a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
- Medications such as antiplatelet agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood pressure medications may be prescribed to manage risk factors and improve blood flow.
- Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is used to widen the narrowed artery, and a stent is placed to keep it open.
- Atherectomy is a procedure to remove the plaque from the artery using a rotating device.
- In severe cases or when other treatments are not effective, bypass surgery may be required to reroute blood flow around the blocked artery.
As with any medical procedure, treatments for PAD carry certain risks. Potential complications may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, or damage to surrounding tissues.
Additionally, PAD can increase the risk of serious complications, such as non-healing wounds and limb amputation if left untreated. Our experienced vascular surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks and strive to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.
If you think you may have peripheral artery disease, talk with your Primary Care physician or fill out our vein assessment form.
Medically Reviewed on April 29, 2026.