What Causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?
PAD, also called peripheral vascular disease (PVD), occurs when blood vessels in the legs are narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits, decreasing blood flow to your feet and legs. Though there potentially are multiple causes for the obstruction to blood flow responsible for this condition, atherosclerosis, commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries, is the most common cause. Most patients who suffer from peripheral arterial disease do not have any symptoms. However, when the arteries to the arm or leg become narrow enough to significantly reduce nutrient and oxygen rich blood to the affected extremity, lactic acid begins to build up in the muscles leading to pain during exercise. The pain associated with exercise in this condition has been termed intermittent claudication and may be described as tiredness in the leg, muscle cramps or severe pain over the muscles. Though similar symptoms also may be found in venous disease, arthritis, neuropathy or spinal disease; patients with art
