What It Means If Your Legs Hurt When You Walk

Experiencing leg pain during activity that subsides with rest may be indicative of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when arteries supplying blood to the extremities, typically the legs, become narrowed due to atherosclerosis—a buildup of fatty deposits. This condition reduces blood flow, leading to symptoms such as muscle pain or cramping in the calf, thigh, or hip during exercise, which alleviates upon resting.

Additional signs of PAD include:

• Coldness, numbness, or weakness in the foot or leg
• Changes in skin color or shiny skin on the leg
• Sores on the foot or leg that do not heal
• Slowed hair and nail growth on the affected limb
• Weak pulse in the leg or foot

Risk factors for developing PAD encompass smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated homocysteine levels, obesity (BMI over 30), age over 65, and a family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke. Adopting a healthy lifestyle—such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol—can help reduce the risk.

If PAD is suspected, consulting a healthcare provider is essential. Diagnostic tests may include the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm before and after walking on a treadmill, as well as imaging tests like ultrasound, X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to detect arterial blockages.

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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