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Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Care Instructions

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Overview

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the legs, belly, pelvis, arms, or neck get narrow or blocked. This reduces blood flow to that area. The legs are affected most often.

PAD is often caused by fatty buildup (plaque) in the arteries. This buildup is also called "hardening" of the arteries. Your risk of PAD increases if you smoke or have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of PAD.

Many people don't have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may have weak or tired legs, difficulty walking or balancing, or pain. If you have pain, you might feel a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh, or buttock that occurs during exercise. The pain usually gets worse during exercise and goes away when you rest. If PAD gets worse, you may have symptoms of poor blood flow, such as leg pain when you rest.

Medicine and a specialized exercise program may help relieve symptoms. Medicine and a heart-healthy lifestyle can help slow the progress of the disease and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. If PAD is severe, a procedure or surgery may be done to improve blood flow.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Try to quit or cut back on using tobacco and other nicotine products. This includes smoking and vaping. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Try to avoid secondhand smoke too.
  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
  • If you take a medicine to prevent blood clots, be sure to get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. This medicine can cause serious bleeding problems.
  • If you have symptoms when you exercise, ask your doctor if a specialized exercise program is right for you. This program may help relieve your symptoms and help you walk farther without pain.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, sugar, and alcohol.
  • Be active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Talk to your doctor about what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
  • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
  • Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
  • Manage other health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
  • Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and the flu. Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Watch for new or worse symptoms. Know when to call your doctor or get help right away.
  • Take good care of your feet.
    • Wash your feet every day. Use warm (not hot) water.
    • Check for blisters, cuts, cracks, or sores. If you have a foot problem, see your doctor. Don't try to treat a foot problem at home.
    • Use moisturizing skin cream to keep your feet soft.
    • Wear shoes and socks that fit well.
    • Keep your nails trimmed.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
    • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
    • Sweating.
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Nausea or vomiting.
    • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
    • Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
    • A fast or irregular heartbeat.

After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.

  • You have sudden symptoms in your leg or foot such as severe pain, numbness, weakness, tingling, cool skin, or skin color changes. Your skin may be pale, bluish, or purplish.
  • You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
    • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
    • Sudden vision changes.
    • Sudden trouble speaking.
    • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
    • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
    • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have leg pain that does not go away even if you rest.
  • Your leg pain changes or gets worse. For example, if you have more pain with normal activity or the same pain with decreased activity, you should call.
  • You have cold, tingly, weak, or numb feet or toes.
  • You have leg or foot sores that are slow to heal.
  • The skin on your legs or feet changes color. It may be pale, bluish, or purplish.
  • The skin on your legs or feet has blisters or looks shiny.
  • You have an open sore on your leg or foot that is infected. Signs of infection include:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the sore.
    • Pus draining from the sore.
    • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter H735 in the search box to learn more about "Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Care Instructions".

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.