Do you ever experience cramping leg pain while walking that goes away after a few minutes of resting? It could be a sign of peripheral arterial disease, which can cause a host of problems. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better. Here’s what you need to know.
Causes
The main cause of peripheral arterial disease (abbreviated PAD and also known as peripheral vascular disease) is atherosclerosis in the arteries in the leg. Atherosclerosis itself is caused by the build-up of a substance called plaque on the inner lining of the arteries. Plaque, a witch’s brew of fat, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and calcium, can hinder the flow of blood in arteries throughout the body. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing PAD due to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and blood lipid abnormalities such as high cholesterol levels. Other risk factors include
