Leg pain that worsens with walking can be confusing, as the symptoms of PAD vs sciatica often overlap. While sciatica is a nerve issue, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious vascular condition. At East Bay Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates, our specialists use leg pain vascular ultrasound to find the true source of your pain, providing clear diagnoses for patients in Danville and the East Bay.

What Is PAD-Related Leg Pain (Claudication)?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which narrows them and restricts blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. The leg pain associated with PAD is called claudication.

This is a specific type of muscle pain or cramping, usually in the calves, thighs, or hips, that appears during activity, such as walking, and subsides after a few minutes of rest. This pain occurs because your muscles are not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the demands of the activity.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a vascular condition; it is nerve pain. It originates from the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, which runs from your lower back down through your hips and buttocks and into each leg.

This pain is often described as a sharp, burning, or radiating sensation that travels along the nerve path. A herniated disk can cause it, a bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine).

PAD vs Sciatica: Key Clues

Because both conditions cause leg pain, it is important to note the differences in their presentation. A vascular specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis, but here are some key clues to help distinguish them.

  • Pain Trigger: The hallmark of claudication vs sciatica is the trigger. PAD pain is reliably brought on by physical activity and relieved by rest. Sciatica pain can be constant or intermittent, often worsening with specific movements like bending, twisting, or even sitting, and may not be relieved by simply stopping walking.
  • Pain Sensation: PAD pain is typically a deep muscle cramp or ache. Sciatica is often characterized by a sharp, shooting, or “electric” pain that radiates down the leg and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
  • Pain Location: Sciatica pain usually follows the nerve path, starting in the lower back or buttocks and traveling down one leg. PAD pain is felt in the muscles, such as the calves, and does not typically originate in the back.
  • Associated Symptoms: PAD may cause other signs of poor circulation in the legs, such as coolness of the skin, poor toenail growth, or a weak pulse in the feet. These symptoms are not associated with sciatica.

When to See a Specialist for Leg Pain

You should not ignore persistent leg pain. If you experience discomfort that occurs during specific activities, such as walking, consider getting an evaluation. The same is true for constant pain, worsening, or associated with numbness or weakness.

This is especially true if you have risk factors for vascular disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking. If you are wondering when to see a vascular specialist, the answer is now. A definitive diagnosis, often made with a simple vascular ultrasound, is the first step toward the correct treatment.

Schedule Your Vascular Assessment in the East Bay

If you are experiencing persistent leg pain and are unsure of its cause, do not wait for it to worsen. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at one of our convenient locations in Danville, Concord, or Pleasanton. The expert team at East Bay Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates has the advanced diagnostic tools to provide a clear and accurate answer.