Leg Pain Could Signal Peripheral Artery Disease — Here’s What You Need to Know
If you experience leg pain while walking or even at rest, it may be more than just fatigue. These symptoms can be a sign of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition caused by blockages in the blood vessels that reduce blood flow to your legs and feet.
PAD often develops when plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing the passageways that carry blood. This buildup can result from smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, genetics or age. Over time, reduced circulation can lead to pain, cramping or weakness, especially during physical activity.
Early Signs and Symptoms
In the earliest stages of PAD, you may not notice any symptoms. As the disease progresses, common signs include:
- Fatigue, heaviness or cramping in the legs while walking.
- Pain that worsens when climbing stairs, walking quickly or carrying heavy objects.
- Relief when sitting or standing still.
- Advanced cases may cause pain or cramping even while resting at night.
- Severe PAD can lead to numbness, wounds that won’t heal or discoloration of toes or feet.
These symptoms are sometimes dismissed as “just part of aging,” but ignoring them can increase your risk of serious complications, including heart attack or stroke.
How PAD Is Diagnosed
If you have symptoms such as leg pain when walking, your doctor can check for PAD with quick, noninvasive tests. The most common is the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in your arms and ankles to measure blood flow. Ultrasound and imaging studies may also help locate blockages and guide treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and overall health. For many people, lifestyle changes such as regular walking, a heart-healthy diet and quitting smoking can improve circulation. Medications may help improve blood flow or reduce plaque buildup. In more advanced cases, minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty or stent placement, or bypass surgery, may be recommended to restore blood flow.
“PAD is treatable, and early diagnosis makes a big difference,” says Dr. Alhasan Sedeeq, a Vascular Surgeon at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “If you notice leg pain or slow-healing wounds, don’t wait. The sooner we identify the problem, the sooner we can help you stay active and protect your long-term health.”
What You Should Know About PAD
- 1 in every 20 Americans over 50 is affected.
- PAD is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Symptoms often appear gradually and can worsen over time.
- Treatment can help retain mobility and independence.
Think You Might Have PAD?
If you’re experiencing symptoms, take our PAD Screening Quiz to learn more about your risk. You can also download a printable version to review with your Primary Care provider.
Cardiovascular Mobile Health Unit Screenings
Early detection is key in preventing serious complications from peripheral artery disease. The St. Elizabeth Cardiovascular Mobile Health Unit (CVMHU) offers convenient, community‑based vascular screenings at locations across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Find upcoming screening dates and locations here.
Medically Reviewed by Alhasan Sedeeq, MD, on 12/30/2025.
