It can be alarming when you start to notice changes in how your legs feel, especially during routine movement like walking or climbing stairs. You might feel heaviness, aches, or a tight sensation that eases when you stop moving but returns quickly when you start again. These slow and subtle shifts can signal that your arteries are not working as smoothly as they once did.
You may also see differences in skin temperature, experience nighttime discomfort, or notice that small wounds on your feet take longer to heal than they should. These issues often build gradually and are sometimes easy to overlook until they begin affecting your day. We are here at Shaheen Vascular in Mountain View, CA, to help you determine whether these symptoms may be related to peripheral artery disease (PAD) and what steps might support better artery health.
Peripheral artery disease happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply your limbs. You may be more familiar with coronary artery disease, where a clogged artery leads to reduced blood flow to the muscles of the heart. In PAD, buildup in the arteries leads to a reduced blood supply to your extremities (legs or arms). Less circulation means the muscles and tissues in your legs may not receive the oxygen they need during activity. PAD develops over the years, and symptoms tend to surface once the blockage reaches a point where circulation drops further.
Intermittent claudication refers to leg discomfort that appears during activity and eases with rest. The muscles demand more oxygen when you move, but reduced circulation limits how much blood reaches them. This mismatch can create cramping, tightness, or a heavy sensation that repeats each time you start walking again.
Numbness can develop when restricted blood flow affects the nerves in your legs or feet. When nerves receive less oxygen, they can become damaged, leading to patchy or persistent loss of sensation. Patients may notice this most when standing for long periods or when circulation naturally slows during rest.
A leg or foot that feels unusually cold compared to the other side can be a sign of reduced blood supply. Blood carries warmth through the tissues, and when circulation drops, temperature changes become more noticeable.
Wounds on the legs or feet that take longer to repair are also linked to poor circulation. Oxygen-rich blood supports the healing process, and when an artery has limited flow, the tissue cannot repair itself as quickly. Small sores may linger or worsen, and you may also begin to notice nails becoming more brittle on the affected limb.
Symptoms become urgent when you experience pain at rest, sudden color changes, pins and needles, or rapid temperature shifts in a leg or foot. These signs can indicate a sharp drop in blood flow, which may place the limb at risk if not addressed quickly. A wound that worsens instead of healing should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Age, family history of vascular disease, and lifestyle habits like smoking or low physical activity can raise the chance of developing this condition. Medical issues such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and clotting disorders also place added strain on the arteries.
PAD diagnosis starts with a physical examination where we check your pulse, skin temperature, and any visible changes in the legs or feet. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test compares blood pressure in the arms and ankles to see how well blood is moving through the lower limbs.
Ultrasound imaging can show how fast blood flows through the arteries and whether plaque is affecting circulation. In some cases, angiography provides a detailed view of the vessel structure to help identify the location and severity of narrowing. Blood tests may also be used to check cholesterol, inflammation, and other factors that contribute to artery disease.
PAD affects the arteries, while several other circulatory conditions involve the leg veins instead. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the tissues, and when they narrow, the limbs receive less of the oxygen they need. Veins work in the opposite direction, returning blood to the heart, so problems in the venous system involve pressure buildup, pooling, or clot formation rather than reduced oxygen delivery.
Lifestyle adjustments can support healthier circulation and reduce strain on the arteries:
Cholesterol-lowering medications reduce plaque formation, while blood pressure control supports steadier circulation. Diabetes medications stabilize blood sugar, which helps limit vessel damage. You may also need blood-thinning medications to reduce the chance of clot formation and improve the movement of blood through narrowed arteries.
Surgery may be recommended when plaque is heavily calcified, when the blockage spans a long section of the artery, or when less invasive treatments cannot provide enough improvement. Options include:
PAD evaluation is the best way to understand your circulation problems and determine whether an arterial or vein treatment is needed for you. If you are in Mountain View, CA, you can rely on the expertise at Shaheen Vascular, where Dr. Raymond Shaheen provides comprehensive vascular assessment and surgical and endovascular care. To learn whether PAD is contributing to your symptoms, reach out at (650) 965-1909 or use the online form.
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