May 14, 2025
If you are experiencing unexplained leg pain while walking or persistent coldness in your feet, these symptoms could be more than minor inconveniences. They may point to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a circulatory issue caused by narrowed arteries that reduces blood flow to the limbs. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, we understand how crucial early detection and effective peripheral arterial disease management are for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health.
Whether you’re aiming to walk without discomfort or seeking to reduce your risk of severe complications, taking control of peripheral arterial disease starts with understanding its impact and exploring methods to alleviate symptoms. Let’s look at what peripheral arterial disease is and how you can manage it effectively to improve your quality of life.
The peripheral vascular system is made up of veins and arteries that keep your blood moving. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the body, while veins bring oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart and lungs to reoxygenate it.
Peripheral artery disease occurs when plaque (or fatty deposits) builds up on the walls of the arteries, reducing blood flow. Because of this poor circulation, patients with peripheral arterial disease often experience pain, cramping, or numbness in their arms, legs, hips, or thighs. This discomfort is especially common after movement or exercise. Patients may also experience hair loss, ulcers, numbness, and other symptoms.
Common risk factors include:
How do you deal with the pain and discomfort of peripheral arterial disease? Here are six ways to help manage your symptoms.
Since this condition affects blood flow in the legs, elevating them can be beneficial for patients with peripheral arterial disease. This is especially helpful for those who are bedridden.
Elevate your legs above heart level to keep blood from pooling in them. This increases circulation to the heart and prevents leg cramps and pain. Elevation can also prevent numbness and bedsores.
The best exercises for peripheral arterial disease are walking and cycling. Even though walking can trigger pain in the legs, that doesn’t mean that patients with peripheral arterial disease should shy away from physical activity. Instead, gradually build up your tolerance.
Whichever you choose for your regular exercise routine, start slow. Walk or cycle until your pain reaches a three on a five-point scale. Then, rest until your pain subsides before starting again. This steady exercise can help increase pain tolerance, get plenty of exercise in your day, and build stamina for other daily activities.
Smoking can make your risk of developing peripheral arterial disease four times higher. Smoking can damage your arteries and increase plaque buildup, putting you at greater risk of blood clotting and poor blood circulation. Quitting can reverse this damage and lead to a healthier, happier, and more active lifestyle.
What you eat can increase the risk of narrowed arteries and inflammation. For effective peripheral arterial disease management, make sure you are eating a balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits and veggies, healthy fats, and high-fiber foods. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep you energized, reduce inflammation and plaque buildup, and support better overall health.
Your doctor may recommend medications to help manage the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease. Warfarin and Coumadin can help prevent blood clots, while pentoxifylline can help to increase blood flow. Or, your specialist may work to target your risk factors of peripheral arterial disease with medication to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, or your risk of a heart attack.
Avoid any medicines that can further constrict blood flow, like decongestants. Talk with your physician to find the best medication for you.
When your feet and legs are not getting proper circulation, it can be very easy for an injury or infection to go unnoticed. Poor blood flow can cause numbness in the feet. This is why patients with peripheral arterial disease need to check their feet and legs daily.
Here are a few care tips:
For additional prevention methods to improve your cardiovascular health, explore the ABCs of prevention:
It’s time to take control of your peripheral arterial disease symptoms. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, our specialists can help to diagnose your condition and start your treatment journey. Untreated peripheral arterial disease can lead to serious issues, including amputation. Together, we can help you protect your health with peripheral arterial disease management.
Set up an appointment with us today, or contact your nearest clinic. Whether you want to learn more about this disease or are exhibiting risk factors, our doctors are here to help.