What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.)?
P.A.D. is a disease caused by the blockage of large arteries in the arms and legs. P.A.D. most commonly occurs when the arteries in your legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, or plaque. The buildup of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow, which is called atherosclerosis. When leg arteries are hardened and clogged, blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced. Some people call this poor circulation. People diagnosed with P.A.D. often experience leg muscle fatigue, cramping, numbness, or pain while walking, that resolves promptly with rest. This exertional discomfort in the leg muscles is known as “claudication”.
What is Claudication?
Claudication is the primary symptom of PAD, and can be experienced as pain, cramps, heaviness, fatigue or other symptoms that affect the muscle groups of the legs. Intermittent claudication is common in people diagnosed with P.A.D. Pain is caused by reduced blood flow to the muscles of the legs while walking or climbing stairs and is relieved by rest.
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