Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly affecting the legs. At Sukumvit Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center, we provide structured vascular and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve circulation, increase walking capacity, and enhance overall functional independence. Early diagnosis and supervised rehabilitation are essential to prevent complications.
PAD occurs when fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and restrict blood flow. When leg muscles do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood during activity, pain and cramping may occur.
PAD is both a vascular condition and a warning sign of increased cardiovascular risk.
Patients with PAD may experience:
• Leg pain or cramping during walking (intermittent claudication)
• Pain that improves with rest
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Coldness in the lower leg or foot
• Slow-healing wounds on the feet
• Reduced walking distance
• Shiny skin or hair loss on legs
In severe cases, pain may occur even at rest.
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Age over 50
• History of cardiovascular disease
If left untreated, PAD may lead to:
• Progressive walking limitation
• Poor wound healing
• Increased risk of infection
• Critical limb ischemia
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
Supervised exercise therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for PAD.
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
• Severe leg pain at rest
• Non-healing wounds
• Sudden coldness or discoloration of the limb
• Signs of infection
