What happens if peripheral arterial disease is not treated?

Peripheral arterial disease narrows arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet. Pain or cramping during walking may become more limiting, and some people develop discomfort while resting. Poor circulation can leave skin cooler or paler and can make a small cut, blister, or pressure area slower to heal. An unhealed wound may become infected and threaten nearby tissue. PAD can also signal artery disease elsewhere in the body, so assessment includes attention to heart and brain blood vessels.

Arrange a clinical assessment if you have leg pain when walking, cold hands and feet, or recurring muscle cramps. A clinician may check pulses, skin, and walking symptoms and review conditions such as high cholesterol, nicotine dependence, or type 2 diabetes. Stopping nicotine, managing cholesterol and blood pressure, staying active within your limits, and caring for foot skin can reduce further harm. A smoking cessation programme or statin therapy may be discussed when appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe leg or foot pain, a limb that becomes cold, pale, blue, or numb, new weakness, or a wound with spreading redness, swelling, discharge, or fever. Do not wait for a routine appointment if pain occurs at rest and is rapidly worsening, or if a foot or toe suddenly changes colour.

Ask what may be limiting blood flow, whether your feet need a specific care plan, which activity is suitable, and how cholesterol, nicotine use, diabetes, and blood pressure should be managed. Ask which symptoms should trigger same-day help and when your circulation should be reviewed.