Cold Feet and Leg Pain? It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

You feel leg pain and muscle cramping when you start your morning walk. You also notice that your feet feel colder than usual.

If you’re experiencing both symptoms, it could point to a circulation issue, specifically Peripheral Artery Disease.

In the United States, between 8 and 12 million people are living with PAD, a condition that can progress into serious cardiovascular disease if left untreated.

While we’re not cardiovascular specialists, our team at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle frequently identifies early warning signs of PAD in patients throughout Cookeville and surrounding communities.

Early detection can make a critical difference.

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Under normal conditions, your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body.

With PAD, plaque builds up inside these arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow, especially to your legs and feet.

This plaque is typically made up of cholesterol, fat deposits, and other substances in the bloodstream.

Over time, reduced circulation leads to many of the symptoms people first notice in their lower extremities.

Common Signs of PAD

PAD is a progressive condition, and symptoms often don’t appear until arteries are significantly narrowed.

One of the earliest signs is intermittent claudication, which includes:

• Leg pain or cramping during activity
• Pain that improves with rest

As PAD worsens, symptoms may become more severe and persistent.

Additional signs include:

• Cold feet
• Redness or discoloration
• Slow-healing sores or wounds
• Pain even at rest (advanced cases)

Symptoms may affect one or both legs, depending on where blood flow is restricted.

Why Early Detection Matters

PAD doesn’t just affect your legs, it’s also linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and long-term mobility issues.

Catching PAD early allows for treatment strategies that can:

• Improve circulation
• Reduce symptoms
• Lower cardiovascular risk

What to Do If You Notice Symptoms

If your feet are consistently cold or you experience leg pain when walking, don’t ignore it.

At Neuhaus Foot & Ankle, we offer a simple, non-invasive test called Smart ABI®, which measures blood flow and blood pressure in your lower limbs.

Results are available immediately, allowing us to quickly determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.

Take Circulation Symptoms Seriously

PAD is progressive, but it’s also manageable when caught early.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease, our team in Brentwood is here to help.

Schedule an appointment today to protect your circulation, mobility, and overall health.