10 Early Warning Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs. PAD often goes undiagnosed until symptoms become severe, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or even amputation. Recognizing PAD early can save your health, and your mobility.

At Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists (TCVS), our team of board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeons in San Antonio and South Texas are dedicated to diagnosing and treating PAD before it reaches advanced stages.

10 Early Warning Signs of PAD

1. Leg Pain When Walking (Claudication)
   Aching, cramping, or heaviness in the calves, thighs, or hips during walking that eases with rest.

2. Numbness or Weakness in the Legs
   Reduced blood flow can make your legs feel weak, heavy, or unstable.

3. Non-Healing Wounds on Feet or Toes
   Cuts, sores, or ulcers that won’t heal are strong indicators of circulation problems.

4. Coldness in One Leg Compared to the Other
   Feeling one foot or leg consistently colder than the other can signal blocked arteries.

5. Changes in Skin Color
   Skin may appear pale, bluish, or shiny when circulation is poor.

6. Slow Growth of Toenails or Hair on the Legs
   Limited blood supply can slow or stop normal nail and hair growth.

7. Weak or Absent Pulse in the Legs or Feet
   A vascular exam may reveal weak or missing pulses below the blockage.

8. Tingling or Burning Sensations
   Nerve pain due to poor blood circulation can feel like pins and needles.

9. Leg Pain at Rest
   Advanced PAD may cause pain even when you’re not active, especially at night.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

PAD is more than leg pain, it’s a warning sign of widespread atherosclerosis, which raises your risk for stroke, heart attack, and amputation. With timely evaluation and treatment, blood flow can be restored and long-term complications prevented.

How Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists Can Help

At Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists, our physicians provide:

• Advanced diagnostic testing for PAD

• Endovascular treatments such as angioplasty and stenting

• Open vascular surgery when needed

• Limb-salvage procedures for severe cases

• Comprehensive vascular care, including carotid artery disease, aneurysms, and venous disorders

We proudly serve patients from our main offices in San Antonio (Downtown & Southside) and at satellite clinics in Jourdanton, Floresville, Uvalde, Eagle Pass, Victoria, and Del Rio.

Schedule a PAD Screening Today

If you are experiencing one or more of these early warning signs of PAD, don’t wait. Early evaluation could prevent life-threatening complications.

 Request an appointment today at our San Antonio office or any of our South Texas locations to protect your circulation and your future.