However, some develop a painful ache in their legs when they walk, which usually disappears after a few minutes’ rest. The medical term for this is “intermittent claudication”. The pad ped can range from mild to severe, and usually goes away after a few minutes when you rest your legs.

Both legs are often affected at the same time, although the pain may be worse in 1 leg. The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time. If your symptoms develop quickly, or get suddenly worse, it could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment. When to see a GPYou should see a GP if you experience recurring leg pain when exercising.

Many people mistakenly think this is just part of growing older, but there’s no reason why an otherwise healthy person should experience leg pain. PAD is usually diagnosed through a physical examination by a GP, and by comparing the blood pressure in your arm and your ankle. It’s usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the walls of the leg arteries. The build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries makes the arteries narrower and restricts blood flow to the legs. Treating peripheral arterial diseasePAD is largely treated through lifestyle changes and medication. Exercising regularly and not smoking are the main lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms of PAD and reduce the chances of it getting worse.