Peripheral arterial disease is a very common condition caused by the appearance of fatty deposits on the arteries and the consequent reduction of the blood flow through the affected blood vessels. The problem might affect any of the limbs, but it is more common in legs. The condition usually develops very slowly, in some cases starting as early as the patient’s 20’s or 30’s and it can stay asymptomatic for years or even for decades. Here are some of the symptoms that might indicate arterial disease:
- Hair loss and slow nail growth rate on the legs – these are signs that the blood flow is restricted and not able to transport the nutrients needed by the legs;
- Numbness or weakness in the affected limb;
- Ulcers and wounds that do not heal or take very long to heal;
- Color changes – if the affected limbs, especially the legs, become pale or take a purple or bluish color, it is also a sign that the blood flow has suffered a blockage and treatment needs to be started immediately;
- Pain while walking – also called claudication, pain experienced during walking and disappearing or becoming milder during rest is also an important symptom of severe peripheral arterial disease. Be sure to look into PAD treatments for results.
