Leg Pain When Walking? It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your legs. It's often a sign of widespread arterial disease that affects the heart and brain too.
The Classic Symptom: Claudication
The most common symptom is leg pain when walking, called claudication:
- Pain, cramping, or fatigue in leg muscles during walking
- Usually in calves, but can affect thighs or buttocks
- Pain stops after a few minutes of rest
- Returns when you resume walking
- Gets worse over time without treatment
Other Symptoms
- Cold feet or legs
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Slow-healing sores on feet or legs
- Shiny skin on legs
- Hair loss on legs
- Weak pulse in legs or feet
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Why PAD Is Serious
PAD is more than just leg pain:
- Heart Attack Risk: People with PAD have 4-5 times higher risk
- Stroke Risk: Significantly increased
- Critical Limb Ischemia: Can lead to gangrene and amputation
- Quality of Life: Limited walking ability affects daily activities
Risk Factors
- Smoking (strongest risk factor)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Age over 50
- Family history of PAD or heart disease
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
Diagnosis at Vascular Lab
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
A simple, painless test comparing blood pressure in your ankle to your arm. This is the primary screening tool for PAD.
Doppler Ultrasound
Shows blood flow in your leg arteries and can identify blockages or narrowing.
Segmental Pressures
Measures blood pressure at different levels of your legs to locate problem areas.
Treatment and Management
- Quit smoking (most important step)
- Exercise therapy (supervised walking programs)
- Medications for blood pressure and cholesterol
- Blood thinners if prescribed
- Good diabetes control
- Healthy diet
Get Tested at Vascular Lab Kuwait
If you experience leg pain when walking, don't ignore it. Dr. Ahmad Al Harbi offers comprehensive PAD assessment at International Hospital. Early detection can prevent heart attacks, strokes, and amputations.
Schedule your ABI test today via WhatsApp.