Alternative Names
Peripheral vascular disease; PVD; PAD; Arteriosclerosis obliterans; Blockage of leg arteries; Claudication; Intermittent claudication; Vaso-occlusive disease of the legs; Arterial insufficiency of the legs; Recurrent leg pain and cramping; Calf pain with exercise
Definition of Peripheral artery disease – legs
Peripheral artery disease is a condition of the blood vessels that leads to narrowing and that supply the legs and feet.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Peripheral artery disease is caused by , or “hardening of the arteries.” This problem occurs when fatty material (plaque) builds up on the walls of your arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrower. The walls of the arteries also become stiffer and cannot widen (dilate) to allow greater blood flow when needed.
Symptoms
The classic symptoms are pain, achiness, fatigue, burning, or discomfort in the muscles of your feet, calves, or thighs. These symptoms usually appear during walking or exercise and go away after several minutes of rest.
Signs and tests
During an examination, the health care provider may find:
Treatment
Self-care:
Expectations (prognosis)
You can usually control peripheral artery disease of the legs without surgery. Surgery provides good symptom relief in severe cases.
Review
Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 6/17/2010
