Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce the blood flow to your limbs.

When you develop peripheral arterial disease, your extremities — usually your legs — don't get enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This causes various symptoms, most notably leg pain when walking — a condition called intermittent claudication.  

Peripheral arterial disease is likely to be a sign of widespread atherosclerosis which is an accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries. This condition may reduce blood flow to your heart and brain.

Peripheral arterial disease refers to a problem with any of the arteries outside, or peripheral to, your heart, but the term is commonly used to describe circulatory problems in your limbs or pelvis.

You can often successfully treat peripheral arterial disease with exercise, a healthy diet and, most important, by not using any tobacco products. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to stop the progression of peripheral arterial disease and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Half of all people with peripheral arterial disease have mild or no symptoms. About one-third to one-half develop more severe symptoms, including intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is characterized by muscle pain or cramping in your legs or arms that is triggered by a certain amount of activity, such as walking, but disappears after a few minutes of rest. The location of the pain depends on the location of the clogged or narrowed artery. Calf pain is most common.

The severity of intermittent claudication varies widely. Pain from this condition can range from mildly bothersome to debilitating. Severe intermittent claudication can impair your ability to function and engage in any physical activity.

Other signs and symptoms of peripheral arterial disease include:

• Leg numbness or weakness
• Cold legs or feet
• Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
• A change in the color of your legs
• Hair loss on your feet and legs
• Changes in your nails

If peripheral arterial disease progresses, pain may even occur when you're at rest or when you're lying down. This is called ischemic rest pain. It may be intense enough to prevent sleep or wake you from sleep. You may be able to temporarily relieve the pain by hanging your legs over the edge of your bed or by walking.