Cramps, tiredness or pain in the legs, thighs or buttocks that occurs while walking and subsides during rest Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep Foot or toe wounds that will not heal or heal very slowly A marked decrease in the lower leg/foot temperature, particularly compared to the other leg or rest of the body

Many people believe leg pain, cold feet or difficulty walking are signs of aging or something else, when they could be the symptoms of peripheral artery disease, which affects 8-12 million Americans.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when deposits of fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up in a leg artery and narrow or completely block blood flow through the leg, increasing risk for heart attack, stroke, gangrene and loss of a leg or foot.

PAD can be easily detected with a simple test known as an ABI, or ankle-brachial index, which can be administered in a doctor’s office. If you have one or more of the risk factors for PAD such as diabetes, heart disease, or smoking or are experiencing the signs of PAD, speak to your doctor and ask for an ABI test – it could save your leg and life.