Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) often develops silently, with symptoms appearing gradually as circulation to the legs becomes more restricted. The most common early sign is leg pain during walking or exercise, known as claudication. This discomfort typically affects the calves, thighs, or buttocks and eases after a few minutes of rest. Some people describe it as a cramp, heaviness, or fatigue in the legs. As the condition progresses, pain may start occurring even when at rest, particularly at night when lying down.

In addition to pain, patients may notice other subtle signs such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs. The skin on the legs or feet may appear pale, shiny, or bluish, and may feel colder than the other side. Hair growth can slow down, and toenails may become brittle. Wounds or ulcers on the feet that take a long time to heal—or don’t heal at all—can also be a strong indicator of poor blood flow and should never be ignored.