Peripheral artery disease-legs

It is a disease of the blood vessels which leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet.

The narrowing of blood vessels leads to a decrease in the circulation, which can injure nerves and other tissues.
Causes

Peripheral arterial disease is caused by atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries". This problem occurs when fatty material (plate) accumulates on the walls of the arteries. This makes the arteries to become narrower. The walls of the arteries also become more rigid and may not widen (dilate) to allow a greater blood flow when needed. read more

As a result, when the muscles of the legs are working more intensely (as when exercising or walking), may not receive enough blood and oxygen, finally, it is possible there is enough blood and oxygen, even when the muscles are at rest. read here

Peripheral arterial disease is a common disorder that typically affects men over the age of 50 years. People are at higher risk if they have a history of:

Abnormal cholesterol
Diabetes
Heart disease (coronary artery disease)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Kidney disease involving hemodialysis
Smoking
Stroke (cerebrovascular disease)

Symptoms

The classical symptoms are headache, achiness, fatigue, burning, or discomfort in the muscles of the feet, calves or thighs. These symptoms usually begin during the time of exercise or walk and disappear after several minutes of rest. click here