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Is Peripheral Artery Disease Causing Your Leg Pain?

March 09, 2026

Leg pain might not seem like a big deal, but if it keeps coming back when you walk, it could be something more serious.

“Pain in the legs that starts with activity and stops with rest is one of the classic signs of peripheral artery disease,” says Edward Gifford, MD, a vascular surgeon and the director of the East Region Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Hartford HealthCare’s Heart and Vascular Institute. “It’s one of the most underdiagnosed conditions we see, but one that has a huge impact, not just on your quality of life, but on your cardiovascular health.”

The tricky part? Leg pain from peripheral artery disease is often mistaken for simple muscle soreness or getting older. So many people brush it off and never get it checked.

Here’s what you should know.

1. Peripheral artery disease is poor circulation in the legs

Peripheral artery disease happens when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs limiting blood flow, especially during activity.

“Your muscles need more oxygen when you’re moving,” says Dr. Gifford. “If your arteries are narrowed, they can’t keep up. So your muscles build up lactic acid, which leads to cramping or aching in the calves, thighs or buttocks. It’s like that burn you used to feel after running, but now it might start after 100 feet instead of a mile.”

About 1 in 20 Americans over age 50 has peripheral artery disease. Because plaque buildup in the legs often means plaque elsewhere, it can also signal a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

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2. It often causes a specific kind of pain

Many people mistake leg pain linked to peripheral artery disease for normal aging or overuse, which delays getting the right help. The most common symptom is intermittent claudication – cramping or pain that starts when you walk and goes away when you rest.

“Pay attention if you notice leg pain that always comes on with walking,” says Dr. Gifford. “In particular, if the pain goes away just by standing still and resting, that pattern is really specific to peripheral artery disease, and you shouldn’t ignore it.”

Severe peripheral artery disease can progress to a more serious condition called chronic limb-threatening ischemia. If you notice any of these signs, see a vascular surgeon as soon as possible:

• Pain at the bridge of your foot while sleeping or with your leg elevated.
• Slow-healing wounds on your legs or feet.
• Black discoloration of your toes.

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3. Peripheral artery disease shares risk factors with heart disease

You’re more likely to develop peripheral artery disease if you:

• Are over 50.
• Have diabetes.
• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol.
• Have a family history of vascular disease.
• Smoke or used to smoke.

“Smoking and diabetes are two of the biggest risk factors,” says Dr. Gifford. “If you have either one of those conditions – especially with new leg discomfort – see your doctor.”

4. Testing is simple

The first step is often a quick, painless test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in your ankle and arm.

“It’s fast, noninvasive and helps us see if there’s a blockage,” says Dr. Gifford. “If we suspect peripheral artery disease, we’ll confirm it with imaging like an ultrasound.”

 > Related: What Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean

5. You likely don’t need surgery

Most people improve with lifestyle changes and medication alone.

Dr. Gifford recommends:

• Following a heart-healthy diet.
• Quitting smoking.
• Starting a supervised walking program.
• Taking medication to lower cholesterol and control blood pressure.

“Most people with peripheral artery disease do well with medication, exercise and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking,” Dr. Gifford adds. “In cases of persistent or advanced disease, we consider both minimally invasive procedures like a balloon or stent, or even an open surgery, if appropriate.”

> Related: 7 Easy Ways to Protect Your Heart as You Age

When to see your doctor

If you’re experiencing leg pain that starts with walking and stops with rest, talk to your doctor. If you’ve noticed leg pain that could be related to peripheral artery disease, bringing it up early gives you the best chance for effective treatment and long-term prevention.

“Peripheral artery disease management is all about patient education as your best prevention,” says Dr. Gifford. “We’ll also follow up with you, monitor any signs of progression and help you modify risk factors along the way.”