If you're one of the many people who has been suffering with pain or discomfort throughout the leg, whether it's in your calf, or your upper thigh, you may actually be dealing with a case of peripheral artery disease. Before you panic, however, it's a good idea to read up on the symptoms of PAD, and learn more about what can be done to treat this problem, and prevent the symptoms from getting worse.

Following, we'll provide a quick intro into the definition of PAD, as well as some signs to watch out for that might indicate that you should schedule a visit to your doctor or healthcare provider.

What is PAD?

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a syndrome wherein one or more of the arteries in your limbs becomes constricted, blocked, or damaged. Usually, PAD has an impact on the arteries that take the blood through the legs, which is one of the reasons why it is regularly associated with the onset of arthritis, or the simple pain of getting older.

If you are regularly using your calf compression sleeves, and you still find that you're having trouble with the circulation in the lower half of your legs, then you might be suffering from PAD. It's important to seek out assistance immediately for this issue, as it can potentially cause a lot of life-threatening problems when left untreated.

Spotting the Symptoms of PAD

Although the symptoms of PAD can vary from one person to the next, the most common issue that most patients experience, is a pain that occurs within one or both calves when they attempt to exercise, walk, or move up and down stairs. Usually, the pain of PAD dissipates slightly when you sit, or rest. The amount of pain you experience will vary between different cases, and the symptoms of PAD can also include cramping, tiredness or aching.

The reason that these problems occur, is that when you walk, your calf muscles require an additional supply of blood and oxygen. Because a narrowed artery is unable to deliver the extra blood, the oxygen-deprived muscle submits pain impulses to the brain that occur rapidly when you try to move. If the blood supply in your legs worsens, then you may find that you suffer from additional symptoms, such as:

• Poor hair growth beneath the knee, and poor toenail growth
• Cold feet
• Weak pulses in the arteries of your feet.

The Symptoms of PAD in Severe Cases

In severe cases, the symptoms of PAD can grow much worse. For instance, if your blood supply is severely reduced, then you could suffer from pain during rest, particularly at night when the legs are straight and raised in bed. In some cases, severe PAD can result in the development of ulcers and sores on the feet or lower legs, and in very rare circumstances, tissue death in the foot may occur as a result. However, it's important to note that these problems can often be prevented when the issue is addressed at an early enough stage.