Peripheral Artery Disease (Leg Pain)

Leg pain when you walk? Your arteries may be talking.

Let's talk about peripheral artery disease — why your legs hurt when you walk.

So what is peripheral artery disease? Over time, fat can build up inside the arteries in your legs and make them narrow. When that happens, less blood reaches your feet and legs. It's the same buildup that can clog the heart's arteries — and there's a lot you can do.

There are three signs to know. Catch them early, and tell your provider.

Sign one. Leg pain when you walk. You may feel cramping, tightness, or aching — often in the calf, but it can also be in the thigh or hip. The key clue is the timing. It comes on while you are walking. Doctors call this claudication.

Sign two. The pain eases when you rest. Sit and rest for a few minutes, and the pain usually fades. Then, when you walk again, it often comes back — at about the same distance. That stop-and-go pattern is a big clue.

Sign three. Changes you can see and feel. A foot may feel cold, or look pale or even bluish. And a sore on the foot may be slow to heal. Don't ignore a sore that won't heal — tell your care team about it.

Here's a daily habit that protects you — because poor blood flow makes sores slow to heal.

So check your feet every single day. Look at the top, the bottom, and between your toes. Use a mirror if you can't see well. Wash with warm — not hot — water, and dry gently between the toes. And never go barefoot, even at home. Wear shoes or slippers.

You can also help your circulation. If you smoke, quitting helps the most. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar in a healthy range. And walk only as your provider advises.

Some signs need help right away. Call 911 if you have sudden, severe leg pain. If a foot turns cold, pale, or numb. Or if your leg hurts even while lying still. These can mean a blocked artery. Call your provider — or 911 for emergencies.

A sore that won't heal is a warning sign. Don't wait it out — call your care team.

Pain when walking. It eases with rest. And check your feet. Tell your provider about leg pain.

Next — your feet need a daily check. Here's exactly how. Watch next.