Normally blood flows easily through the arteries to all parts of the body. However, fatty clumps called ” plaque” can build up inside the walls of arteries becoming narrowed or blocked, preventing blood flow from flowing normally. When muscles do not get enough blood symptoms can occur.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that can cause leg pain that can get worse with activity. Muscle pain that gets worse with activity and better with rest is called ” claudication”. PAD effects the vessels ( called arteries) that bring blood to the legs. PAD can cause wounds to heal more slowly then usual.