Occlusive arterial disease in the lower leg and foot

In approaching a patient suspected of peripheral vascular disease the following signs and symptoms are of key importance (16): 1) Pain in the extremity which is induced by exercise and relieved by rest; pain which is influenced by posture is localized to one digit, is unilateral or is paroxysmal. 2) Impaired pulsations of peripheral arteries. 3) Abnormal color of the skin, particularly when affected by raising or lowering the part. 4) Gangrene, ulceration, impaired nail and hair growth, excessive calluses, or paronychial infections. 5) Unusual warmth or coldness. 7) Swelling, atrophy, or difference in length of extremity. 8) Ausculatory evidence of arteriovenous fistula. 9) Cyanosis or unusual pallor of digits when immersed in cold water. 10) Peripheral neuritis.