What it is
Stopping smoking, walking exercise and medicines to lower cholesterol and prevent clots are the main treatments.
If symptoms are severe, a procedure to widen or bypass the artery may be offered.
Common signs
- Pain in the legs when walking that eases with rest
- Cold or numb feet
- Hair loss on the legs
- Sores on the feet or legs that do not heal
- Shiny skin or a change in colour of the legs
How it is usually diagnosed
- Checking pulses in the legs
- Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI)
- Doppler ultrasound or angiography
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- ABPI results
- Ultrasound or angiogram reports
- Vascular clinic letters
- Cholesterol and blood sugar results
Questions to ask your doctor
- How much walking should I do?
- Which medicines do I need?
- Would a procedure help me?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A leg or foot that suddenly becomes cold, pale, painful or numb: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.