PAD It is a pain in the leg
You're making your daily trip to the mailbox, and your leg is hurting again. While it's easy to dismiss your fleeting discomfort as a sciatica flare-up or a cranky hip joint, that might be a bad idea. Calf or thigh pain while walking that goes away with rest—termed claudication—is the hallmark of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is often the first indication that cholesterol-laden deposits are building up in the arteries of your legs and feet and blocking blood flow.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
