Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD can cause pain or cramping while walking, numbness or weakness, coldness in the lower leg or foot, and wounds that are slow to heal. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of serious complications.
What Causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup inside the arteries narrows the vessels and reduces blood flow to the legs and feet.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of developing PAD.
- High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage artery walls and contribute to atherosclerosis.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Leg pain, aching, or cramping during walking or exercise that improves with rest
- Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot compared with the other side
- Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that are slow to heal
- Changes in skin color, decreased hair growth, or a weak pulse in the legs or feet
How Can Peripheral Arterial Disease Be Prevented?
- Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar within the goals recommended by your physician.
- Stop smoking and avoid tobacco use.
- Stay physically active and follow a heart-healthy diet.
- Have regular medical checkups, especially if you have risk factors for vascular disease.
What Are the Treatments?
- Vascular Testing: Non-invasive testing such as ultrasound and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements can help evaluate blood flow in the legs.
- Medical Management: Risk-factor management may include medications to control cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Angioplasty & Stenting: Minimally invasive procedures can open narrowed or blocked arteries and improve blood flow to the legs.
- Peripheral Artery Bypass: Surgery may be used to reroute blood flow around a severely narrowed or blocked artery.
- Lifestyle & Exercise Therapy: A structured walking program, smoking cessation, and other lifestyle changes can help manage PAD symptoms and improve vascular health.
If you have leg pain or cramping while walking, slow-healing wounds, or other signs of poor circulation, schedule a vascular evaluation at Vascular Surgery & Vein Care Center in Orlando, Florida.
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Most treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurance plans.