Symptoms

One of the classic symptoms of PAD is dull, cramping pain in the legs, hips, or buttocks that happens when you exercise. This pain stops when you rest — a symptom called intermittent claudication. Some people with PAD have pain even when they are not exercising.

Other symptoms of PAD include:

• Numbness or tingling in the legs, feet, or toes
• Changes in skin color (pale, bluish, or reddish coloration)
• Cool skin (for example, in the legs, feet, arms, or hands)
• Impotence
• Infections/sores that do not heal

Symptoms usually appear in the part of the body that has blocked arteries. But people with PAD can also be symptom-free. So it is important to be aware of your risk. View our PAD risk checklist.