When blood flow to this part of your body is reduced, it can cause leg pain when you walk. As peripheral artery disease worsens, walking even short distances can be painful. Although resting will relieve the pain, it will return after you begin moving again. This pain cycle is called intermittent claudication, and it is often the first warning sign of peripheral artery disease. Blood flow can become impaired as you age.
Artery walls become thicker and lose their elasticity, allowing plaque to collect.
The plaque narrows the artery, a condition called artherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Peripheral artery disease begins when the artery's inner wall is damaged and plaque collects along the damaged area of the wall. As with carotid artery disease, certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking and eating a high-fat diet, can deposit chemicals and fat in the blood that will cause damage more quickly. As plaque collects, the artery narrows and blood flow is reduced. When blood flow is completely blocked, you may feel pain even during rest.