Calf Pain While Walking? It Can Be Peripheral Artery Disease: 5 Symptoms To Watch Out For

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a circulatory disease affecting blood flow in the arteries. Read more to learn the 5 symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease that you should never ignore.

Peripheral Artery Disease is a common circulatory health problem in which the blood flow reduces due to the narrowing of arteries or plaque buildup in the peripheral arteries that transport blood to the hands, arms, legs and feet. Experiencing acute calf muscle pain while walking is one of the symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease.

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 8 million people over the age of 40 have Peripheral Artery Disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and family history are some of the risk factors of Peripheral Artery Disease. Scroll down to learn more about the 5 symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease.

5 Symptoms Of Peripheral Artery Disease

The symptoms of this disease most commonly appear in the legs and feet, according to Yale medicine. However, you may experience symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease in other body parts as well. Let's learn more.

1. Calf Muscle Pain

Pain in calf muscle while walking or climbing stairs can be a symptom of Peripheral Artery Disease. It feels like stretching, tearing or cramping in the calf muscle. The severity of the pain can vary from low to high.

2. Foot Pain

The pain may spread to your hips, thighs or feet, making foot pain another symptom of Peripheral Artery Disease. According to Yale Medicine, the pain in foot can become worse at night as the person is lying flat.

3. Slow Wound Healing

Peripheral Artery Disease may cause the wounds on your legs, toes, feet or other body parts to heal slowly. The wounds may reappear or not heal at all, as per the National Institutes of Health.

4. Cold And Pale Hands

Other symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease involve coldness and paleness in the hands and fingers. It may appear bluish or discolored. In this disease, your toes and foot can go cold and numb.

5. Hair Thinning

Yale Medicine lists hair thinning as one of the symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease. The reduced blood flow to the head may cause hair thinning or hair loss. Lack of sufficient blood oxygen supply to the hair follicles make them weaker.

If you notice any of the symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease you must immediately consult a doctor and get yourself tested. This disease, if left untreated, may result in grave consequences at a later stage.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor for better advice on symptoms and management of Peripheral Artery Disease.