Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg.

Causes
P.A.D., also known as "poor circulation” is caused by the restriction of blood flowing through the arteries to the legs and feet due to plaque build up on the walls of the arteries.

Symptoms
In the early stages of P.A.D., symptoms are often unnoticed. Common symptoms include:
- Leg pain or cramping that occurs while walking or lying down
- Numbness or weakness in the leg
- Cold legs or feet
- Sores that won’t heal on the toes, feet or legs
- A change in leg color
- Loss of hair on the feet and legs
- Changes in toenail color and thickness

Treatments
General treatment of P.A.D. involves lifestyle changes, medication and in some cases, surgery.
- Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, regular exercise and eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Medications may be used to improve blood flow, help prevent blood clots, or control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.