Peripheral Arterial Disease Care

What You Need To Know About PAD

Learn how peripheral arterial disease affects your legs and when to seek care.

Understanding Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral artery or arterial disease, also known as PAD, is a circulation problem where the blood flow to your extremities is restricted. PAD is caused by narrowing of the arteries that deliver the blood to your arms and legs. Fatty deposits accumulate causing atherosclerosis and reducing this blood flow.

Some people have no symptoms of PAD, but many suffer from leg pain especially when walking. The pain or cramping starts with activity but usually eases after resting. When the leg pain, or claudication, is severe, it can be hard to walk, work or do other types of activities.

Besides claudication, other symptoms can include leg weakness or numbness, foot or leg coldness, change in color, sores on your feet, toes or legs that will not heal, and hair loss on feet and legs.

Conditions like peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have been on the rise in recent years and are typically associated with other conditions, such as cardiac disease, renal disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

If you have leg pain or weakness, visit your foot doctor right away. PAD can cause complications such as heart attack, stroke and critical limb ischemia that can lead to gangrene and amputation. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or any other foot or ankle disorder are encouraged to schedule an appointment at one of the Foot and Ankle offices today.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

To diagnose peripheral arterial disease, we will do a physical exam to check your pulse and blood pressure. The Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is useful as it compares the blood pressure in your arm with the blood pressure in your ankle. Other tests such as ultrasound and an angiogram can confirm our diagnosis.

At Foot and Ankle Specialists, our specialists will evaluate your baseline circulatory status by placing a device similar to a blood pressure cuff around your legs. This pain-free device measures your circulatory flow and helps determine if additional vascular testing is needed. Complete vascular testing is especially useful in treating high-risk diabetic patients to prevent complications from poor circulation.

The goals of PAD treatment are to manage the pain and to stop atherosclerosis from progressing. Lifestyle changes may accomplish both goals, with the most important being to quit smoking. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, control pain, and prevent blood clots. In severe cases, surgery or angioplasty may be needed.

Prevention is key, so early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent future issues like ulceration, gangrene, and amputation. Our team is ready to evaluate your circulation and build a plan that protects your long-term foot health.