What causes peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease affects arteries outside the heart, often those supplying the legs. A damaged artery wall can collect fatty material and develop inflammation, making the channel narrower and less flexible. Muscles may then receive less blood during walking, causing aching or cramping in the calf, thigh, or buttock that improves with rest.

Type 2 diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, while nicotine exposure harms the artery lining and encourages narrowing. High cholesterol can add to fatty deposits. Symptoms may be subtle, including cool feet, slower-growing hair, shiny skin, or wounds that heal slowly.

Book a medical assessment for recurring leg pain with walking, unexplained foot changes, or a sore that is slow to heal. A clinician may compare pulses and blood pressure in the limbs and arrange further vascular testing. Managing diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and nicotine use can protect circulation; a supervised walking plan may also improve how the legs use available blood flow.

Seek emergency care for sudden severe leg pain, a cold or pale foot, new numbness or weakness, or loss of a pulse. Urgent review is also needed for a wound with spreading redness, drainage, fever, or darkening tissue, because reduced circulation can delay healing and increase the risk of serious infection.

Could my walking pain be related to reduced circulation? Should my diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure be checked? Which exercise plan is suitable? How should I care for foot skin and wounds, and which changes need urgent attention?