Pain in the legs is easy to ignore. You may think it is because of age, a long day at work, exercise, or simply not walking enough. But if your legs regularly hurt when you walk and the pain improves after you stop, it is worth getting checked.
One possible reason is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD happens when the arteries supplying blood to the legs become narrowed or blocked, most commonly because of plaque buildup. Reduced blood flow can affect walking and, in more advanced cases, can lead to wounds and other serious problems.
For people looking for peripheral artery treatment in Chandigarh, understanding the warning signs and getting an appropriate evaluation can help determine what treatment is needed.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which blood flow through the arteries outside the heart becomes reduced. Although PAD can affect different parts of the body, the legs and feet are commonly involved.
Think about what happens when you walk. Your leg muscles need more oxygen-rich blood. If an artery has become narrowed, enough blood may not reach the muscles during activity. This can lead to aching, cramping or tiredness in the leg.
A person may have PAD without obvious symptoms, which is one reason the condition can sometimes go unnoticed.
Warning Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease
The symptoms of PAD can develop slowly. Some people initially notice only a small change in how far they can walk.
Leg Pain While Walking
One of the more typical symptoms is pain or cramping in the calf, thigh, buttock or foot while walking or climbing stairs. The discomfort often improves after resting for a few minutes and may return when you start walking again.
This pattern is known as intermittent claudication.
Cold Feet or Lower Legs
Reduced circulation can make one foot or leg feel noticeably colder than the other.
Changes in Skin Colour
The skin on the feet or legs may become unusually pale or develop other colour changes when circulation is poor.
Wounds That Take Too Long to Heal
A small cut or sore on the foot may take much longer than expected to heal. Slow-healing wounds can be particularly concerning in people who also have diabetes.
Changes in Hair and Toenails
Some people with PAD notice reduced hair growth on the legs or slower-growing toenails.
Numbness, Weakness or Tiredness
Reduced circulation can sometimes be associated with weakness, numbness or unusual tiredness in the legs.
These symptoms do not automatically mean that you have PAD. Similar complaints can occur with nerve problems, arthritis and other conditions, so proper assessment is important.
What Causes Peripheral Artery Disease?
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. This happens when fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances build up inside the artery walls. As the buildup increases, the space through which blood flows becomes narrower.
Several factors can increase the risk of PAD.
Smoking
Smoking is an important risk factor for PAD and can also increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Diabetes
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing PAD. Poorly controlled blood sugar can also contribute to problems with the blood vessels and feet.
High Cholesterol
High levels of cholesterol can contribute to plaque formation inside the arteries.
High Blood Pressure
Long-term high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Age and Family History
The risk of PAD increases with age. A family history of PAD or other cardiovascular disease can also be relevant when assessing someone's risk.
How Is Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually start by asking about your symptoms and medical history and examining the legs and feet.
One commonly used test is the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). It compares blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm and can help identify reduced blood flow to the legs.
Depending on your symptoms and examination, additional tests may be required. These can include vascular ultrasound or other imaging tests to look more closely at narrowed or blocked arteries.
The exact tests depend on the individual patient.
Peripheral Artery Treatment in Chandigarh
Treatment depends on how severe the disease is, the symptoms you are experiencing and whether there is a significant reduction in blood flow.
Lifestyle Changes
For many patients, treatment begins with addressing the factors that are contributing to the disease.
This may include:
- Stopping smoking
- Regular physical activity or a structured walking programme
- Managing blood sugar
- Controlling blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol
- Following a heart-healthy eating pattern
- Taking proper care of the feet
Regular exercise can help improve walking ability in appropriate patients.
Medicines
Depending on the patient's condition, a doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce cardiovascular risk, manage cholesterol and blood pressure, or reduce the risk of blood clots.
The choice of medication depends on the person's medical history and should be made by the treating doctor.
Angioplasty and Stenting
When an artery is significantly narrowed or blocked and medical treatment is not enough, a minimally invasive procedure may be considered.
During angioplasty, a catheter is guided to the affected artery. A small balloon may then be used to open the narrowed area. In selected cases, a stent may be placed to help keep the artery open.
Other Procedures
Depending on the location and extent of the blockage, other endovascular procedures or bypass surgery may be considered.
For patients with severe PAD, particularly those with wounds or threatened limb viability, restoring blood flow can become an important part of treatment.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Don't ignore recurring leg pain simply because it disappears when you rest.
You should arrange a medical evaluation if you notice:
- Repeated leg pain while walking
- A noticeable difference in temperature between your feet
- Changes in the colour of your feet or legs
- A foot wound that is not healing
- Increasing difficulty walking
- Numbness or weakness in the leg
- Symptoms along with diabetes, smoking history or other cardiovascular risk factors
A suddenly cold, pale or painful leg, especially with a rapid change in symptoms, can represent an urgent circulation problem and requires immediate medical assessment.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
PAD isn't only a problem affecting the legs. It is also associated with disease affecting the blood vessels more generally. People with PAD have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke.
Finding the problem early gives your doctor an opportunity to address risk factors, improve symptoms and reduce the chance of serious complications.
Peripheral Artery Treatment in Chandigarh at IR Facilities
At IRFacilities, patients with suspected peripheral artery disease can be evaluated by an interventional radiology team led by Dr. Sandeep Sharma.
The treatment approach depends on the patient's symptoms, test results and the location and severity of the arterial blockage. Where appropriate, minimally invasive image-guided procedures may be considered to improve blood flow.
The first step is not necessarily a procedure. A proper evaluation helps determine whether lifestyle changes and medicines are enough or whether an intervention needs to be discussed.
Take Your Leg Symptoms Seriously
If your legs repeatedly hurt when you walk, don't simply assume it is part of getting older.
Peripheral artery disease can sometimes develop quietly, while symptoms such as walking-related pain, cold feet or slow-healing wounds may provide important clues. Getting the circulation checked can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
If you are looking for peripheral artery treatment in Chandigarh, speak with a vascular or interventional specialist for an evaluation based on your individual symptoms and medical history.
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