Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare vascular condition of the leg. It happens when tendons and muscles squeeze the knee's main (popliteal) artery, limiting blood flow to the lower leg.
PAES tends to affect male athletes under 30, largely runners. It causes symptoms — most often during a workout — such as pain, numbness, or cramping in the calf. Left untreated, PAES can cause lasting nerve or muscle damage.
At UPMC, our surgeons are experts at diagnosing PAES and performing vascular surgery to relieve symptoms.
Related services:
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, also called PAES, is a rare vascular disease.
The popliteal artery is the main artery that runs through and behind your knee.
PAES occurs when nearby tendons and muscles squeeze — or compress — the popliteal artery. This limits blood flow, leading to symptoms in the lower leg.
PAES is a rare vascular disease.
There are six different types of PAES:
PAES is often a congenital problem, meaning you're born with the condition. An enlarged calf muscle can also cause PAES to form over time.
PAES is most common in young athletes, largely those who play soccer, football, rugby, or vigorously lift weights.
Men more likely to get PAES than women.
In some cases, compression from PAES can damage and narrow the wall of the popliteal artery.
In severe cases, permanent muscle or nerve damage can occur due to compression or loss of blood flow to the lower leg.
PAES is most often congenital, meaning it is present at birth. There is nothing you can do to prevent PAES.
PAES symptoms may include:
Often, symptoms improve after a few minutes of rest but return during exercise.
If you have symptoms of PAES, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Although PAES is not an emergency, if left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your popliteal artery, nerves, or muscles.
In most cases, your doctor can diagnose PAES during a physical exam. You may need other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
To diagnose PAES, your UPMC vascular surgeon will:
Your doctor may use the following tests to confirm a diagnosis of PAES:
After PAES surgery, most people make a full recovery with a low risk of recurrence. Most athletes are able to return to their sport.
At UPMC, our vascular surgeons offer expert treatment for PAES. Based on the severity of your condition, we will work with you to determine if surgical care is right for you.
Your UPMC vascular surgeon can treat PAES through open surgery to release the compression of the popliteal artery.
Most people only spend 1-2 days in the hospital after surgery and don't need physical therapy after they return home. The majority of patients make a full recovery within four weeks.
PAES surgery successfully relieves symptoms in more than 90 percent of people. However, if you have damage to your popliteal artery, you may have pain in your legs when you exercise, even after surgery.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
