11 Leading Causes of Leg Pain and Sore Calves

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) refers to a full or partial blockage of one of the arteries in the body’s extremities. It is a common cause of leg pain and presents as cramping, weakness or numbness that occurs during activity. When the artery is blocked, working muscles do not receive adequate blood flow. Such blockages create a cramping sensation during movement due to the increased demand for blood in the muscle tissue. A common symptom of PAD is decreased temperature in the lower leg. A medical professional can properly diagnose the condition and recommend a course of treatment. Untreated PAD may result in ongoing pain or limb loss and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.