Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), occurs when blood flow to the limbs is reduced due to narrowed arteries. This circulatory disorder is a serious condition that can cause problems using the arms and legs. Often, an individual will not know he or she has the disease until certain PAD signs and symptoms are present.

Peripheral Artery Disease FAQs

Peripheral artery disease symptoms often start out as leg muscle cramps that occur when walking but stop with rest. Other signs of PAD are:

  • Discolored, pale or blue toes
  • Toes, feet or legs have sores that won’t heal or are healing slowly
  • Thick, yellow toenails that won’t grow
  • Unusual, painful sensations in your leg

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a vascular doctor to learn more about peripheral artery disease diagnosis and treatment.

PAD-related leg pain is the most common symptom of peripheral artery disease. PAD symptoms in the legs may include:

  • Leg muscle cramping, tiredness, or heaviness
  • Foot or leg pain that prevents you from sleeping well
  • One of your legs feels colder than the other

Peripheral artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the process of fatty deposits building up on artery walls. When atherosclerosis occurs in a person’s arms or legs, PAD can happen as a result. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and heart disease history in the family.

If you think you have peripheral artery disease or have already been diagnosed with PAD, you should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Early lifestyle changes and treatments can be successful. In worst-case scenarios, PAD can lead to limb loss and amputation.

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Treating Peripheral Artery Disease

Before receiving a peripheral artery disease diagnosis, you will usually undergo a physical exam and ankle-brachial index (ABI) or another test that evaluates your vascular system to see if PAD is present. Once officially diagnosed, your doctor may suggest the following for peripheral artery disease treatment:

  • Taking medication
  • Lifestyle changes, such as more exercise and a healthy diet
  • Vascular or endovascular surgery

Peripheral artery disease is a serious condition, and if left untreated, it can cause major injury to your vascular system, and even put you at risk for amputation. Contact University Surgical Associates today to schedule an appointment and find the best PAD treatment option for your situation. Our vascular surgeons are experienced in treating a variety of conditions including deep vein thrombosis, carotid artery disease, aneurysms, and more.

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16 Specialty Services From Over
30 Skilled Surgeons

Today our network extends to more than 6 cities in the region. Search our network of surgeons and nurse practitioners by specialty or location.

16 Specialty Services From Over
30 Skilled Surgeons

Today our network extends to more than 6 cities in the region. Search our network of surgeons and nurse practitioners by specialty or location.