If you suffer from leg pain while walking, you may blame arthritis. But if the problem is peripheral artery disease (PAD), it can have serious consequences.
When fatty deposits--called plaque--accumulate in your body’s arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. In PAD, these fatty deposits build up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs.
Untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and even leg amputation. It’s also a warning sign that arteries in the heart and brain may be blocked, increasing your chances for heart attack and stroke.
Signs of PAD
PAD starts slowly and may go unnoticed. Discomfort can occur in the affected legs, thighs, calves, hips, buttocks, or feet. In addition to pain, other common sensations are heaviness, numbness, or aching in the leg muscles. Rest usually helps. Other symptoms include:
- Pale or bluish skin
- Lack of leg hair or toenail growth
- Sores on toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all
See your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms. PAD can be diagnosed with a simple test that measures blood flow by comparing blood pressure in your arms and legs.
Arthritis Affects Joints
Because PAD is such a serious and progressive disease, it’s important to know the difference between arthritis pain and symptoms that indicate blocked blood flow.
Arthritis leg pain generally is associated with specific joints--either feet, knees, or hips. When cartilage around the joint breaks down, pain, stiffness, and swelling can result. Arthritic joints may also be warm and have limited movement.
If joint pain lasts beyond three days, see a health care provider. Also get medical attention for:
- Joint pain that interferes with daily activities
- A swollen joint
- A joint that’s hot to the touch
- Difficulty moving the joint
- A fever with the joint pain
- Unintentional weight loss
While arthritis usually produces noticeable discomfort, PAD may not cause symptoms. Check with your provider about PAD testing if you’re older than 70, or older than 50 with a history of smoking or diabetes. People younger than 50 with diabetes and other risk factors for atherosclerosis should also talk with a health care provider about their risk for PAD.