Claudication
The most common symptom of peripheral artery disease is pain in the calves, thighs, or buttocks when exercising these muscles. This pain is called claudication. It is caused by narrowing of arteries being unable to supply enough blood to the muscles.
Some people have “intermittent claudication” which is pain that happens with exercise and decreases with rest. When blockages in the artery become severe, pain can occur even at rest, especially when lying down at night.
Other Symptoms
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Cool feeling in the lower leg or foot
- Sores on legs or feet that won't heal
- A change in the color of the legs
- Loss of hair on feet and legs
- Slower growth of toenails
- Shiny skin on legs
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Sometimes, a blood clot lodges in an artery and blocks blood flow, causing tissue damage. If you have peripheral artery disease and experience sudden, intense leg pain, get medical attention or call 911 immediately.
Up to half of people with peripheral artery disease have no symptoms or don’t notice them. Older adults have a problem noticing symptoms because:
- Circulation problems can decrease pain.
- Poor vision may make it difficult to see skin color or texture changes.
Related Health Problems
Older adults with diabetes have a special risk because the disease causes nerve and vision damage. So they need their healthcare provider to examine their feet and circulation in their legs often.
Older adults may also assume their leg or foot pain is due to other causes, such as arthritis, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any pain you are having.
Last Updated March 2023