Overview
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is an uncommon condition that affects the main artery behind the knee. That artery is called the popliteal artery. In this condition, the calf muscle is in the wrong position or it’s larger than usual. The muscle presses on the artery. The artery becomes trapped, making it harder for blood to flow to the lower leg and foot.
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is most common among athletes.
Symptoms
The main symptom of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is pain or cramping in the back of the lower leg. The back of the lower leg is called the calf. The pain occurs during exercise and goes away with rest. Other symptoms may include:
- Cold feet after exercise.
- Tingling or burning in your calf.
- Numbness in the calf area.
If the nearby vein, called the popliteal vein, also becomes trapped by the calf muscle, you may have:
- A heavy feeling in the leg.
- Lower leg cramping at night.
- Swelling in the calf area.
- Changes in skin color around the calf muscle.
- Blood clot in the lower leg, called deep vein thrombosis.
Symptoms typically affect young, otherwise healthy people under age 40.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment for a health checkup if you have any type of leg pain. This is especially important if you have calf or foot cramping during activity that gets better with rest.
