Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when blood flow through the arteries of the legs becomes restricted. Most often, this happens because plaque—a buildup of cholesterol and other materials—accumulates along artery walls, narrowing the vessels and limiting the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches your legs and feet. This process is known as atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries.”
Because PAD can signal more widespread arterial disease, it may also indicate an increased risk for serious complications affecting other parts of the body, including your heart and brain. This is why experienced podiatrists play an important role in identifying risk factors and early symptoms—such as leg pain with walking, slow-healing sores, temperature or color changes, and diminished pulses—so they can assess circulation concerns promptly and provide proactive, high-quality treatment.
For nearly 40 years, Texans in the Greater Houston area have trusted the medical and surgical team at Neville Foot & Ankle Centers to provide early evaluation and ongoing foot care to help reduce complications, support healing, and protect long-term mobility and overall health.
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Who's Most at Risk for Developing Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Because only half of the people diagnosed with PAD actually experience symptoms, it's critical to assess the following risk factors and be screened or tested right away:
- Being over age 50
- Smoking, either currently or previously
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Personal or family history of PAD, heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
- A sedentary lifestyle
Download Our PAD Questionnaire
What Are Common Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease?
PAD often develops gradually, and many of our patients have told us that they didn't notice any changes until circulation was significantly reduced. Recognizing the early warning signs—especially those that show up in the legs and feet—can help you seek care sooner and lower the risk of complications. Watch for:
- Pain, aching, and heaviness in the muscles.
- Cramping in the legs, thighs, and calves.
- Loss of hair on legs or feet.
- A weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet.
- Sores or wounds on toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly, poorly, or not at all.
- Color changes in the skin, such as paleness or blueness.
- Lower temperature in one leg compared to the other leg.
- Poor nail growth and decreased hair growth on toes and legs.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to one of our four convenient offices in Montgomery County to schedule a thorough consultation. Left untreated, PAD can lead to debilitating and limb-threatening consequences, even death.
How Do Our Greater Houston Podiatrists Treat PAD?
To diagnose PAD, our skilled physicians start with a comprehensive medical history. We also perform a lower extremity physical examination, including evaluation of pulses, skin condition, and foot deformities, to determine your PAD risk. If key factors are present, more testing may be ordered. Your treatment protocol is customized to your specific needs and state of your condition, but generally may include:
- Lifestyle changes. Things you can do right now, such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and choosing a heart-healthy diet.
- Medications. Our team or your primary care provider might prescribe different solutions to improve blood flow, help prevent blood clots, or control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
- Surgery. Depending on your level of PAD, certain procedures may be necessary to improve blood flow in the legs. These include small incision or endovascular surgery and open or bypass surgery.
Being proactive and seeking quality treatment makes all the difference in effective PAD management. Our team offers compassionate care, advanced diagnostics, and in-house treatment options that make maintaining your foot health simpler, safer, and far less stressful.
