Why Does PAD Make it Painful to Walk

Peripheral vascular disease is a condition where there is narrowing of the arteries by atherosclerosis and plaque build up. The arteries are the system by which the body delivers blood to the legs and other parts of the body, providing food and oxygen to the tissues. When walking, your muscles require more food and oxygen than they usually need because they are actively working. If the arteries are narrowed, then the body cannot supply the food and oxygen that the muscles require. This starves the muscles, causing a sensation of pain and cramping because they can’t function without the materials that they need. Learn more at https://americanendovascular.com/blog/