Critical Limb Ischemia

Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation

Have you heard of CLI?

We understand that as you learn more about peripheral artery disease (PAD), you may discover stages of the disease you’re unfamiliar with, such as critical limb ischemia, or CLI. This is the worst form of PAD. Doctors may also refer to this condition as chronic limb threatening ischemia, or CLTI. Ask a doctor if you have an advanced stage of PAD, or use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist.

When you have PAD, your arteries are narrowed, restricting the blood flow to your legs, feet and/or toes. If a diagnosis has shown your PAD has advanced to CLI, the restricted blood flow could be so considerable and widespread that you may be at significant risk for amputation.

Without treatment to help restore circulation you may need an amputation and your life could be at risk.⁴

What are the symptoms?

The presence of an ulcer or gangrene is often a sign of CLI. Leg pain while walking and leg pain that is frequently intolerable also can be common with CLI. Intense discomfort from CLI can last from minutes to hours, and often happens at night.

The leg pain from CLI can interrupt your sleep, and you might hang your foot off the edge of the bed in an attempt to get relief. Or you might only be able to get rest when you sleep upright in a chair.²⁰

Make an Appointment

CLI can impact your health, and only a health care professional can diagnose you. Don’t put it off. Talk with your doctor now, or use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist near you.

Talk to Your Doctor

Only a health care professional can diagnose you with PAD. Our Symptom Quiz can help guide the conversation about your treatment options.

Take the Symptom Quiz

Click below to take the interactive Symptom Quiz. You can print your answers out and take them with you to a doctor to help guide your conversation about PAD.

Start the Quiz