Leg Pain When Walking? It Could Be PAD. Here’s How We Test for It.
Do you experience painful cramping in your legs when you walk, climb stairs, or exercise? It’s easy to dismiss it as a sign of aging or being out of shape, but doing so is dangerous: that cramping can be a warning sign of a serious, underlying circulatory condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). At Cypress Foot & Ankle, we believe in early detection to protect your long-term health. This guide explains what PAD is and how a quick, painless in-office test can provide the answers you need.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Artery Disease is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, most commonly your legs and feet. This is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.
- PAD is not just a leg problem; it’s a red flag for your overall cardiovascular health.
- The same process that narrows the arteries in your legs can also affect your heart and brain, significantly increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Many people with PAD have no symptoms, which is why early screening is so important.
What are the Warning Signs of PAD?
How do you know if your leg pain could be a sign of PAD? Run through this quick checklist of common symptoms:
- Painful Cramping (Claudication): Do you get a tired, cramping pain in your hips, thighs, or calf muscles after physical activity that goes away with rest?
- Leg Numbness or Weakness: Do your legs ever feel weak or numb?
- Coldness in One Leg or Foot: Is one of your lower legs or feet noticeably colder to the touch than the other?
- Non-Healing Sores: Do you have sores on your toes, feet, or legs that are very slow to heal?
- Changes in Color or Appearance: Have you noticed a change in the color of your legs or slower hair and toenail growth?
The Simple Solution for Diagnosis: In-Office ABI Testing
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you don’t have to wait weeks for a complex diagnostic workup. We can get answers right here in our office with an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test.
- An ABI test is a quick, painless, and non-invasive way to check for PAD.
- We simply use blood pressure cuffs to compare the blood pressure at your ankle with the pressure in your arm.
- A significant difference or a low ankle pressure reading can be a clear indicator of narrowed or blocked arteries in your legs.
Painful cramping in your legs is not something you should ignore. If you have any of the symptoms or risk factors for PAD (like diabetes, a history of smoking, or high blood pressure), an ABI test is a simple, effective first step.
Whether you’re experiencing pain or simply seeking preventative care, Cypress Foot & Ankle Center offers a wide range of services to address all your foot and ankle needs. While we focus on nonsurgical treatments, our team also provides advanced surgical procedures when necessary, using the latest technologies to ensure superior outcomes. Call (281) 377-4040 or contact us online!
