Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a serious but often under-recognized condition that affects blood flow to the legs and feet. While it can develop quietly over time, early awareness and intervention can make a significant difference in long-term mobility, wound healing, and overall health.
At Winnipeg Prosthetics & Orthotics, we often see clients whose mobility and lower-limb health are impacted by circulation issues like PAD. Understanding the signs early can help prevent complications and support better outcomes.
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
PAD is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a progressive process in which fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate within arterial walls. This reduces blood flow to the lower limbs, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles and tissues.
PAD most often affects the legs, but its impact can extend much further - affecting mobility, wound healing, and overall quality of life.
Why PAD is Often Missed
One of the most concerning aspects of PAD is that many people don't realize that they have it.
In fact, up to 50% of individuals with PAD may have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
This means PAD can progress quietly until more serious symptoms develop, such as pain, wounds, or reduced mobility. Because early signs are often subtle, PAD is sometimes mistaken for normal aging or general fatigue in the legs.
Common Signs and Symptoms of PAD
PAD can present differently from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
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Cramping or pain in the legs while walking (often relieved with rest)
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Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the lower legs or feet
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Cold feet or noticeable temperature differences between legs
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Slow-healing wounds or sores on the feet or lower legs
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Weak pulses in the feet or ankles
As PAD progresses, symptoms may occur even at rest and can significantly impact mobility and comfort.
Who is at Risk of PAD?
You may be at higher risk of developing PAD if you have:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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A history of smoking
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Heart disease or stroke
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Age over 70
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Age over 50 and have other cardiovascular risk factors
These risk factors contribute to arterial plaque buildup over time, reducing circulation to the lower limbs.
Why PAD Matters for Mobility and Limb Health
When blood flow is reduced, the muscles and tissues in the legs receive less oxygen. This can lead to:
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Pain while walking or standing
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Reduced walking distance and endurance
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Slow healing of cuts or wounds
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Increased risk of infection or complications
In more advanced cases, untreated PAD can contribute to serious limb health issues and significantly impact independence and quality of life.
PAD, Wound Healing, and Orthotic Care
At Winnipeg Prosthetics & Orthotics, we often support clients managing lower-limb conditions where circulation plays a role in healing and function.
While PAD itself is a vascular condition, its effects often overlap with mobility challenges. Proper assessment and a multidisciplinary care approach, combining vascular care, wound management, and orthotic support, can help improve comfort, function, and safety.
If you are experiencing slow-healing wounds, foot pain, or changes in walking ability, it may be worth discussing circulation as part of your overall care plan.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should speak with a healthcare provider if you notice:
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Ongoing leg pain, cramps in your leg muscles (including buttocks, thigh or calf) that occur during activities like walking or climbing stairs
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Pain in the legs and/or feet while resting
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Non-healing wounds on your feet or legs
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Changes in skin colour or temperature
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Sudden or worsening mobility changes
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Poor nail growth and poor hair growth on toes and legs
Early detection can help slow progression and reduce complications. Consult your doctor so they can review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam and order diagnostics tests such as:
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Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI): This test compares the blood pressure readings in your ankles and arms.
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Doppler ultrasound test: This test uses sound waves to measure the flow in blood vessels in your arms and legs.
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Transcutaneous oxygen measurement: This test measures oxygen level of tissue beneath the skin.
Bottom Line
Peripheral Arterial Disease is common, underdiagnosed, and often silent in its early stages - but it is also manageable when identified early.
Awareness is the first step. If something doesn’t feel right in your legs or feet, it’s always worth getting checked. Consult with your doctor and your health team so that they can put together all the pieces of information from your various tests to make a plan of care for you.
At Winnipeg Prosthetics & Orthotics, we are committed to supporting mobility, independence, and lower-limb health for our community. Our team is always here to support you - reach out if you have any questions.
Learn more about PAD here:
If you think it’s JUST leg pain... think again.
Resources
Wounds Canada
https://www.woundscanada.ca/docman/public/patient-or-caregiver/873-pad-thinkagain-brochure-patient/file
Heart and Stroke Foundation
http://www.heartandstroke.com
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://guidelines.diabetes.ca
Wounds Canada
www.woundscanada.ca
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
http://rnao.ca/
Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA)
http://www.podiatrycanada.org