Peripheral Artery Disease: 7 Early Warning Symptoms That Signal Poor Blood Circulation

Early signs of Peripheral Artery Disease include leg pain, numbness, and slow healing. Know how to spot poor blood circulation early.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is an illness that develops when the blood vessels that supply blood to the body’s extremities become narrowed due to plaque, resulting in their constriction. This inhibits blood circulation, particularly to the extremities, leading to various medical conditions. PAD is a disease that in most cases, goes unnoticed; however, the body leaves certain signs which cannot be overlooked. The early detection of these PAD symptoms will help to avoid severe complications such as a heart attack, stroke, or the amputation of a limb.

7 Warning Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Leg Pain During Walking

Pain, cramping or heaviness of the legs as one walks or gets up a flight of steps has been cited as one of the most prevalent indicators of PAD. The pain normally emerges in the calf, thigh or buttock and disappears when one rests. The effect of this is called intermittent claudication, which occurs due to the failure of the muscles to receive a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen during physical activities.

Numbness or Weakness in Legs

Limited blood supply may leave your legs weak, fatigued or numb. A large number of individuals with PAD experience the fact that one leg is not the same as the other. In the long run, walking, even with short distances, can be hard.

Coldness in One Leg or Foot

In case one of the legs feels colder than the other, it may be a symptom of the fact that blood is improperly transported to this or that leg. This is a direct effect of blocked arteries, and reduced temperature is the result, which is good circulation.

Slow-Healing Sores or Wounds

A significant warning of PAD is cuts, sores or ulcers on the legs or feet which may take a long time to heal. In case of poor circulation, the skin lacks sufficient oxygen and nutrition to regenerate. This puts the employee at risk of infections and, in extreme cases, death of the tissues.

Change in Skin Colour or Texture

PAD may result in obvious alterations in the way you look. The affected plaques can be pale, glittering or bluish in colour. It may also result in thinning or dry skin. Slow nail growth or loss of hair on the legs are also symptoms that indicate that the blood flow has been impaired.

Weak Pulse in Legs or Feet

The pulse will be assessed by the doctor in the ankles or feet during a physical examination. Such a weak or absent pulse in these parts is another indication of obstructed arteries. The given test is a straightforward examination that might allow identifying PAD in its early stages.

Pain at Rest or While Sleeping

With the progression of Peripheral Artery Disease, the pains in your legs can occur even when you are resting or lying down. This usually occurs at night when there is a further decrease in the blood flow. Other human beings relieve themselves by hanging their legs over the side of the bed or sitting up so that gravity can restore their blood flow.

Lifestyle changes, drugs or surgeries can massively decrease risks and increase life quality when diagnosed and treated in their medical stages.