Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the arteries in your legs. It happens when plaque, a fatty substance, builds up in the walls of the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to your legs.
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There are five stages of PAD, each with its own symptoms:
Stage 1: Asymptomatic PAD
- In this stage, there are no symptoms. You may not even know you have PAD.
Stage 2: Mild claudication
- You may experience leg pain or cramping when you walk or exercise. The pain usually goes away when you rest.
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Stage 3: Moderate claudication
- The pain you experience when walking or exercising becomes more severe and lasts longer. You may also start to have pain at night when you lie down.
Stage 4: Critical limb ischemia
- You have pain in your legs even when you are resting. This is because your legs are not getting enough blood flow. You may also have skin sores that do not heal.
- If PAD is not treated, it can lead to tissue loss and gangrene. This is a serious condition that can require amputation of the affected leg.
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If you are concerned that you may have PAD, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications of PAD.
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