Leg pain that repeatedly develops while walking and disappears after a few minutes of rest can sometimes be a warning sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD), often caused by atherosclerosis, cardiologist Evgeny Kokin told Izvestia.
This type of discomfort is known as intermittent claudication. It occurs when narrowed arteries cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the leg muscles during physical activity.
According to the cardiologist, the pain typically appears after walking a certain distance, commonly affects the calf muscles and improves after several minutes of rest. As the condition progresses, a person may be able to walk shorter distances before symptoms begin. In more severe cases, pain can occur even at rest.
Atherosclerosis is a systemic condition in which plaque builds up inside arteries. Depending on which blood vessels are affected, it can contribute to serious cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, peripheral artery disease and stroke.
Doctors may use tests such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and vascular ultrasound to evaluate suspected peripheral artery disease. Additional imaging, including angiography, may be required in certain cases.
Major risk factors include older age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels and family history. Lifestyle factors can also influence cardiovascular risk.
Not every case of leg pain after walking is caused by atherosclerosis. Muscle strain, joint problems, nerve disorders and other conditions can produce similar symptoms. However, recurring pain that consistently appears during walking and improves with rest should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Early identification and management of peripheral artery disease are important because advanced disease can significantly reduce blood flow to the limbs and is also associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
