The leg cramps you experience while walking may be due to peripheral artery disease, PAD, in which the arteries become blocked with plaque and blood supply to the legs is reduced.PAD is a clinical condition that has often been neglected, underdiagnosed, undertreated and has a serious outcome. It may lead to nonhealing wounds, gangrene and amputation of the lower limbs.
In a paper presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, October 24 - 28, 2009, Dr. Ross Tsuyuki, a pharmacist-researcher reported a 5% prevalence of PAD in a sample of 362 volunteers over age 50. And amongst these people diagnosed with PAD, 80% were previously unaware they had this condition.
Leg artery narrowings seen in PAD usually imply similar artery narrowings are present in the heart and brain which puts people at high risk for serious medical complications including heart disease, stroke, and possible lower limb amputation.
While PAD may have no symptoms, here are some signs and symptoms to look for:
- Leg pain during exercise (most common symptom).
- Open sores that don't heal.
- Feeling of coldness or numbness in one or both legs.
- Pain in the toes at night.
- Smoke or previously smoked.
- Have diabetes.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Have high blood cholesterol.
- Have heart disease or have had a stroke.
If you think you have PAD, see your doctor immediately.
A recent cross sectional study of 200 diabetic patients over 18 years old who attended a primary care clinic at a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur by Drs Rabia and Khoo1 found that 16% were suffering from PAD.
By being physically active and smoke-free, PAD patients can reduce their symptoms, improve their mobility and quality of life, and potentially prevent heart disease and stroke.
Picture from http://www.circulationbooster.co.uk/site/images/innerpages/Combat-your-Leg-Pain-with-The-Circulation-Booster.jpg
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