Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked. 
This blockage is caused by a process called atherosclerosis, which is the abnormal deposit of fatty plaques that cause stiffening of the arteries and a dangerous reduction in blood flow. PAD is very common; in fact, one in five people over age 60 are living with this condition. 

Complications 
PAD increases the likelihood of hard-to-heal wounds. Plaque buildup in the artery walls limits the supply of oxygen to cells, making it difficult to heal wounds, particularly those that appear on the lower extremities (leg, foot, toes). 

PAD increases the risk of lower-limb amputations because it interferes with circulation and reduces blood flow to and from the legs. 

Up to 25% of people with advanced PAD will experience an amputation within one year due to a non-healing wound. Although the long-term effects of PAD are serious, an astonishing 40% of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms. 

Risk Factors 
Some of the more common risk factors that increase your risk for developing PAD include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Older age

Symptoms 
If you are at risk for PAD, do not dismiss leg pain as part of growing old. Seek care if you have these symptoms:

• Pain or cramps in the back of leg
• A pale or bluish skin color
• Numbness or tingling in the feet and legs
• Shiny skin, with loss of hair on legs
• Sores or wounds on the toes, legs or feet that do not heal

Diagnosis & Treatment 
An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test compares the blood pressure readings in the ankles with the blood pressure readings in the arms. This test is noninvasive, painless and easy. While an ABI can help diagnose PAD, it cannot identify which arteries are narrowed or blocked—a doppler ultrasound or other test may be done to help pinpoint the problem areas.