Overview

Peripheral Artery Disease is a medical condition characterised by the narrowing of the arteries of the lower limbs, leading to reduced blood supply to the feet and legs. It happens due to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries making it difficult for the blood to reach the lower parts of the body. High cholesterol and high obesity are major risk factors for peripheral artery disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

Signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease are slow and grow gradually. Hence, identifying the disorder's initial stages is often challenging. Mentioned below are some of the signs of peripheral artery disease given by the affected individual's body for easy identification:

Numbness and Weakness of Legs- Peripheral Artery Disease occurs due to plaque accumulation in the arteries carrying blood to the legs and lower body parts. Hence, another medical condition, Ischemia, can also happen under such circumstances. The situation occurs due to an inadequate oxygen supply to the legs and lower body. Hence, numbness and weakness of the legs are among the easily identifiable symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
Weak Leg Pulse- Weak leg pulse is also a sign of peripheral artery disease. The condition happens due to a lack of oxygen and blood in the legs. Hence, weak or no pulse condition can be observed in chronic conditions. It makes walking correctly or without support difficult for the affected individual. The affected individual may also experience numbness in the feet, legs, and other lower body parts.
Cramps in Thighs and Calf Muscles- A person suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease also has to bear the side effects of claudication. It is a medical condition due to a low blood and oxygen supply to the body's lower parts. Hence, the affected individual may also experience extreme pain or cramps in the thighs, legs, and hips. Therefore, pain and cramps in the lower parts of the body are one of the symptoms of peripheral artery disease.

Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease

Accumulation of plaque in the arteries supplying blood to the legs and lower body parts is one of the prime causes of peripheral artery disease. Mentioned below are some of the other rare conditions that can be stated as causes of peripheral artery disease
Ageing- Ageing is one of the causes of peripheral artery disease. Individuals above 50 are more prone to getting affected by a medical condition. Hence, people over the mentioned age should maintain a healthy and clean lifestyle. One should avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, along with a clean and green diet.
Smoking- Smoking is also one of the causes of multiple health disorders, including peripheral artery disease. Smoking may affect the arteries, weakening them and lowering the smooth supply of blood flow to the legs. Hence, a smoker is more prone to getting affected by this medical disease.
Obesity- Obesity is one of the significant reasons for plaque accumulation in the arteries. Hence, peripheral artery disease is a significant risk factor for obese and people with high cholesterol. Thus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is highly vital for such people.

Long standing uncontrolled diabetes mellitus/hypertension are also risk factors.

Treatment Options for Peripheral Artery Disease

Lifestyle changes leading to a healthy lifestyle are one of the most prominent treatment options for peripheral artery disease. Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is always advised by doctors to lower the symptoms of peripheral artery disease. Mentioned below are some other steps that can be followed to heal peripheral artery disease:
Medications- Medications for peripheral artery disease are one of the highly-opted options to heal the symptoms of the disease in the initial stages. Medications such as cholesterol drugs, blood pressure drugs, drugs for controlling blood sugar, and many similar drugs help manage the disease. Blood thinner / Medication to open up small blood vessels. Medication to prevent excessive clotting are also helpful.
Healthy Diet- Consumption of junk and unhealthy food is the biggest reason for plaque accumulation in arteries carrying blood to the lower body. It gradually leads to the occurrence of signs of peripheral artery disease. A healthy and clean diet helps to maintain artery health and prevent the condition from worsening over time. Therefore, avoiding junk, oily, and spicy food is one of the most prominent treatment options for peripheral artery disease. 
Active Lifestyle- Being a couch potato and not being involved in any physical activity is one of the biggest pushes for a human towards fatal diseases. Therefore, doctors also advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid peripheral artery disease. Activities and physical exertion help to keep a proper flow of blood and oxygen to the legs and lower parts of the body to prevent the symptoms of the medical disorder.

Treatment Options in advanced stage of disease.

Endovascular procedures
Angioplasty and stenting
Bypass surgery for lower limbs
Stem cell therapy

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert cardiology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

Peripheral Artery Disease is a medical disorder making it difficult for the affected individual to walk with ease or perform any action with the involvement of lower body parts. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease can be lowered with the help of a few lifestyle changes and determination to gain a healthy body again.

FAQs

Q. What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
A. Peripheral Artery Disease is a medical condition in which the affected individual's arteries narrow for various reasons. It makes blood and oxygen difficult for the legs and other body parts.

Q. What causes PAD?
 A. Obesity, high cholesterol levels, no activity at all, smoking, and ageing are some prime causes of PAD.

Q. What are the common symptoms of PAD?
A. Numbness in legs, cramps in legs, thighs, and calf muscles, and pain in arms while writing, sewing, or other actions with arm involvement are common symptoms of PAD.

Q. How is PAD diagnosed?
A. Doctors recommend different types of tests such as blood tests, ankle-brachial index, ultrasound of legs and feet, and angiography to identify the symptoms of PAD deeply.

Q. What is the treatment for PAD?
A. Lifestyle changes are one of the most prominent treatment options for PAD. The affected individual should immediately stop smoking and consumption of alcohol if going on currently. Medications for PAD also help to lower the symptoms of the disease.