The birds are chirping, the leaves are green again, and you're enjoying a walk in the warm summer sun … until a painful sensation in your leg catches your attention. Leg pain can be a symptom of reduced blood flow to your leg, and it may be a problem that you should discuss with your doctor.

PAD and Other Causes of Leg Pain

A common symptom of a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is pain or aching in the leg muscles that occurs after you've been walking or climbing stairs. According to the National Institutes of Health, the discomfort may strike your calves, thighs, and buttocks. Once you stop to rest, the pain subsides. However, many people who have PAD don't have these symptoms.

PAD is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that carry blood to your legs. As a result, the muscles in affected legs don't get enough oxygen-rich blood, especially during physical activity. You're at greater risk of PAD if you smoke, have diabetes, or you have high blood pressure or cholesterol.

However, many other conditions, ranging from serious to relatively non-threatening, can lead to leg pain. According to the NIH and the Mayo Clinic, these can include:

Dehydration or low levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood

The use of certain medications, such as statins for high cholesterol
Nerve damage caused by diabetes

Varicose veins

Call your doctor if muscle pain in your leg is preventing you from walking or standing; your leg is swollen or feels cool; you have pain in your calf after sitting for a long time; or your calf is red and warm, the Mayo Clinic advises.

If you think you may have PAD, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Life Line Screening offers a simple, painless test for PAD that involves measuring the blood pressure in your arms and legs and comparing the results. This can provide more information about the health of your legs to take to your doctor.

Learn more about PAD.  SCHEDULE A PAD SCREENING.