Peripheral artery disease is a vascular condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. When plaque accumulates, it restricts the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the lower extremities, resulting in pain and discomfort in the legs and feet.

Knowing the first signs of PAD  can help determine when a diagnosis and early treatment are needed. Seeking treatment during the early stages of PAD can lessen the severity of the symptoms and help prevent serious complications such as strokes, blood clots and amputations. If you are experiencing early symptoms of peripheral artery disease, schedule a consultation at USA Vascular Centers today.

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Why Early Detection of PAD Matters

Peripheral artery disease often goes undiagnosed in the early stages. Many patients mistake minor discomfort for aging or other less severe conditions. Mild pain is often dismissed due to a lack of awareness about the early signs of PAD. 

PAD is a progressive disease with no cure. However, it can be managed through minimally invasive PAD treatments along with lifestyle changes. If left untreated, PAD can progress to chronic pain, non-healing wounds, or even amputation.

How PAD Progresses Over Time

• Asymptomatic Stage: Most symptoms are minor or unnoticeable.
• Claudication Stage: Patients experience pain or discomfort in the lower extremities during exercise. The pain typically subsides while resting.
• Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): At this stage, patients experience leg pain even while resting. The mild discomfort may also progress to ulcers, skin discoloration, or slow-healing wounds.
• Acute Limb Ischemia: During late-stage PAD, pain has progressed from mild to severe. Patients are also at a high risk of blood clots and amputation.

Early intervention and treatment can help slow the progression of PAD and help make symptoms more manageable. Ignoring early signs of peripheral artery disease can cause the condition to worsen over time, impacting mobility and overall quality of life.

First Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but most symptoms impact the legs and feet. Since pain levels vary, early PAD symptoms are often overlooked until they worsen.

Mild or Early PAD Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms can be so mild it’s easily mistaken for muscle strains, arthritis, or aging. 

Common early warning signs of PAD include:

• Leg pain & cramping (claudication): Pain that occurs while exercising but disappears when resting. 
• Calf or hip pain: Mild to severe pain in the hip or calf that worsens with movement. 
• Leg numbness or heaviness: Legs feel heavy, even after minor exercise and movement. 
• Tingling sensation in the legs: A feeling of “pins and needles” in the legs and feet. 
• Leg fatigue or weakness: Legs feel sluggish after standing or walking for long periods of time.

Advanced PAD Symptoms

As the disease progresses, you may notice more severe pain and discomfort. The pain may be more persistent, and you may also experience sleep disruption or notice skin tone or texture changes. These are warning signs that PAD may be progressing.  

Advanced warning signs of PAD include:

• Pain while walking or exercising: Persistent pain after exercising that doesn’t disappear with rest.
• Slow-healing ulcers or wounds: Ulcers, blisters, and minor cuts take longer to heal or don’t heal at all.
• Skin discoloration or shiny skin on the legs: Skin turns pale, blue or reddish. Calves have a shiny appearance. 
• Brittle, slow-growing toenails: Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities can lead to slow hair growth on the legs and nail growth on the toes
• Leg pain while sleeping (rest pain): Leg pain worsens at night, causing sleep disruptions.
• One leg that is cooler than the other: Restricted circulation and blood flow causes one leg to feel colder. 

If you’re experiencing any chronic pain or discomfort in the lower extremities, schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist for a PAD screening. If you wait until your mild symptoms become serious, you put yourself at risk of serious complications like strokes and amputations later down the line.

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How Early Peripheral Artery Disease is Diagnosed

During a vascular screening, a vascular specialist will assess your condition and run a series of tests to offer an accurate diagnosis. The most common test is an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI is used to assess blood pressure in your ankles and compare it to the blood pressure in your arm. An ultrasound or angiography may be used to assess blood flow and locate arterial blockages.

Early Treatment Options for PAD

If you receive a PAD diagnosis, there are several different treatment options available. At USA Vascular Centers, we offer minimally invasive treatments. All treatments are effective and have a quicker recovery time than surgical alternatives. Patients can go home after the treatment and begin recovery in the comfort of their homes.

Depending on the severity of your condition, a vascular doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:

• Angioplasty: A small balloon condenses plaque against the peripheral artery walls to help restore blood flow.
• Angioplasty with stent placement: Depending on your condition, your vascular doctor may recommend placing a stent into the artery to keep it propped open. The small mesh tube placement will help prevent future blockages.
• Atherectomy: A blade and a catheter extract plaque from the artery walls to improve blood flow. The treatment is minimally invasive and only requires a small incision.

Your vascular doctor may also recommend lifestyle modifications or medications to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Take Control of Your Vascular Health

If you’re exhibiting any PAD symptoms, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist for a proper vascular screening. Early detection and intervention can help you avoid severe complications, such as critical limb ischemia,  as well as an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. 

The team at USA Vascular Centers is here to help you through your PAD diagnosis. After your vascular screening, we will provide a personalized treatment plan. We offer affordable PAD care in our nationwide clinics. We also accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Schedule an appointment online or call us at 888.773.2193 to learn more.

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FAQs About Early Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease

Can PAD be reversed if caught early?

No, PAD is a progressive disease that cannot be reversed. However, treatment and lifestyle modifications can help make symptoms more manageable.

How do I know if my leg pain is from PAD or muscle fatigue?

Muscle fatigue tends to improve when you move and after you rest, while PAD leg pain tends to be the opposite. You may experience worsening leg pain when you move, which only improves when you rest.

Does PAD always start with leg pain?

Leg pain and discomfort is a common symptom of PAD. However, other symptoms like cramping, leg heaviness, or a tingling sensation are also early signs of PAD.