Self-care:

• Balance exercise with rest. Walk or do another activity to the point of pain and alternate it with rest periods. Over time, circulation may improve as new, small (collateral) blood vessels form. Always talk to the doctor before starting an exercise program.
• Stop smoking. Smoking tightens arteries, decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen, and increases the risk of forming clots (thrombi and emboli).
• Foot care is particularly important if you also have diabetes. Wear shoes that fit properly. Pay attention to any cuts, scrapes, or injuries, and see your doctor right away. The tissues heal slowly and are prone to infection when there is decreased circulation. See: Diabetes foot care for more information.
• If your cholesterol is high, eat a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet. See: Heart-healthy diet.

Medications may be required to control the disorder, including:

• Aspirin or a medicine called clopidogrel (Plavix), which keeps your blood from forming clots in your arteries. Do NOT stop taking these medications without first talking with your doctor.
• Cilostazol, a medication to enlarge (dilate) the affected artery or arteries for moderate-to-severe cases who are not surgical candidates
• Pain relievers
• Medicine to help lower your cholesterol

If you are taking medicines for high blood pressure or diabetes, take them as your doctor has prescribed.

Surgery may be performed in more severe cases if the condition is affecting your ability to work or pursue essential activities, or you are having pain at rest. Options are:

• Peripheral artery bypass surgery of the leg
• Angioplasty and stent placement of the peripheral arteries (a similar technique to that used to open the coronary arteries, but performed on the blood vessels of the affected extremity)

Some people with peripheral artery disease may need to have the limb removed (amputated). See: Leg or foot amputation.

You can usually control peripheral artery disease of the legs with treatment. Surgery provides good symptom relief. Complications may require amputation of the affected leg or foot. You may be at increased risk for coronary artery disease.

• Coronary artery disease
• Blood clots or emboli that block off small arteries
• Impotence
• Open sores (ischemic ulcers) on the lower extremities
• Tissue death (gangrene) -- see gas gangrene

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Symptoms of arteriosclerosis of the extremities
• New sores/ulcers
• Signs of infection (fever, redness, general ill feeling)
• A leg or foot that becomes cool to the touch, pale, blue, or numb
• Chest pain or shortness of breath with leg pain
• Leg pain that does not go away, even when you are not walking or moving (called rest pain)
• Legs that are red, hot, or swollen