What are the treatment options for peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease narrows arteries supplying the legs. Care aims to improve walking, protect skin and feet, and reduce the chance of heart and blood-vessel complications. A clinician may recommend a structured walking plan, review blood pressure and diabetes, and prescribe medicines that reduce cholesterol or help prevent clots.

Stopping tobacco exposure is a central part of care. A [Smoking Cessation Programme](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/smoking-cessation-programme/) can provide behavioural support and suitable nicotine treatment. [Statin Therapy](/treatments/medical-management/statin-therapy/) may be advised even when cholesterol does not cause symptoms, because it lowers vascular risk.

Arrange review if walking brings on calf, thigh, or buttock pain that settles with rest, or if feet feel persistently cold or numb. Check feet regularly for blisters, cuts, colour change, or pressure points; wear well-fitting footwear and seek advice early for a wound. Take medicines consistently and build activity gradually within the plan given to you.

Seek emergency care for sudden severe leg pain, a pale or blue foot, new loss of sensation or movement, or a foot that becomes unusually cold. An ulcer, spreading redness, swelling, fever, or blackened skin also needs urgent assessment because reduced blood flow can impair healing.

Ask how much walking is appropriate, whether you need cholesterol or clot-prevention medicine, how to protect your feet, and which changes mean you need same-day care.