Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease in Maryland and Washington, DC
Foot-health assessment and guidance for circulation concerns in your legs and feet.
Why circulation matters
PAD narrows the arteries carrying blood to your legs and feet.
Reduced blood flow can affect walking and wound healing.
Signs worth discussing
Symptoms vary. A medical assessment can help explain what you are noticing.
Pain when walking
Leg aching or cramping that eases with rest.
Cold or discolored feet
One foot feels colder, or skin changes color.
Slow-healing wounds
A sore on a toe, foot or leg heals slowly.
Weakness or numbness
A change in leg strength or feeling.
Pain at rest
Pain in your foot or leg when resting.
No obvious symptoms
PAD can be present without typical leg pain.
A clearer picture of your foot health.
Discuss your symptoms
Tell us when discomfort occurs and how it affects walking or daily life.
Assess foot-health concerns
Review skin changes, wounds and circulation concerns with your podiatrist.
Discuss the next step
Talk about your foot-care needs and whether further vascular evaluation is appropriate.
Daily steps for foot protection
Work with your healthcare team to support your circulation and foot health.
Check your feet daily
Look for injuries, sores or changes in your skin. Ask for help if you cannot see all of your feet.
Wear protective footwear
Choose shoes that fit well, wear socks and avoid walking barefoot.
Get help with foot problems
Ask a healthcare professional about corns, calluses and nail concerns rather than treating them yourself.
Follow your care plan
Ask your healthcare team about smoking cessation, managing risk factors and an activity plan suited to your health.
Common questions about PAD
Understanding assessment, foot care and your wider health.
Is all leg pain caused by PAD?
No. Joint, nerve and vein problems can also cause leg pain. A medical assessment helps identify the cause; symptoms alone do not confirm PAD.
How is PAD evaluated?
Healthcare professionals review symptoms and risk factors and examine the legs and feet. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test compares ankle and arm blood pressure. Your healthcare team can advise which tests are appropriate.
How is PAD managed?
Foot-health assessment and education support your care. PAD treatment is individualized; your wider healthcare team can guide risk-factor management, activity and any prescribed medicines or specialist treatment you need.
Does PAD only affect foot health?
PAD can be associated with artery disease elsewhere in the body. Talk with your healthcare team about heart and stroke risk as well as foot health.