3 Subtle Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects about 6.5 million Americans. It develops when fatty deposits build up in the walls of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs.

Even though PAD is common, it’s easy to overlook. While some people experience obvious symptoms like leg pain when walking, PAD often presents with more subtle signs — or none at all. Even so, it necessitates treatment. PAD is a type of atherosclerosis, and it can contribute to an increased risk of other cardiovascular issues, including heart attack or stroke.

Our Vascular & Interventional Specialists team offers advanced care for PAD and other cardiovascular conditions. Here’s what you should know about three subtle signs of PAD so you can seek treatment and reduce your risk of complications.

1. Leg fatigue or weakness

One of the earliest and most common signs of PAD is persistent fatigue or weakness in your legs, especially when you’re active. This symptom occurs because reduced blood flow to your legs means your muscles aren’t receiving enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. 

Unlike typical muscle fatigue from exercise, this type often comes on quickly while you’re moving and resolves shortly after you begin to rest. Many people mistakenly attribute this to aging or being out of shape, but if you notice recurring leg weakness or difficulty maintaining your usual activity level, get checked for PAD.

2. Cold (or numb) feet and toes

PAD limits circulation in the lower extremities. If your feet or toes often feel cold to the touch, even in warm environments, or if you experience frequent numbness, PAD could be the cause.

Everyone experiences cold feet occasionally, but consistent symptoms that don’t improve with changes in footwear, socks, or temperature might indicate a circulation problem. Pay particular attention if the coldness or numbness is paired with changes in skin color, like paleness or a bluish tint.

3. Slow-healing wounds

Another subtle but significant sign of PAD is slow healing. Poor blood flow slows the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair, leading to delayed healing. You might notice sores or wounds on your legs or feet that take an unusually long time to heal.

These sores might be small cuts, ulcers, or even blisters that linger for weeks or months. Left untreated, they can get infected and increase your risk of serious complications, including limb loss in severe cases. If you notice persistent wounds on your lower extremities, seek medical attention promptly.

Treatment options for PAD

If you’re concerned about any of the above symptoms or have questions, make an appointment with our Vascular & Interventional Specialists team. We offer comprehensive examinations to diagnose the cause of your symptoms, and we work with people of all ages to develop treatment plans that fit their needs.

The good news is that PAD is manageable, especially when caught early. Treatment focuses on improving blood flow, reducing symptoms, and lowering your risk of complications. Depending on your situation, we might recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, or medical procedures.

Simple lifestyle adjustments like quitting smoking, adopting a heart-healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise can improve circulation and overall vascular health. We may also prescribe medications to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, or prevent blood clots, all of which help manage PAD.

For more severe cases, treatments like angioplasty or stent placement can open narrowed arteries and restore blood flow. More advanced procedures, like bypass surgery, might be necessary in advanced cases to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery.

Are you experiencing subtle symptoms like leg fatigue, cold feet, or slow-healing wounds? It’s important to get evaluated for PAD. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of serious complications. Get started by booking an appointment online or calling our Miami, Florida, office at 305-230-4664 today.