Arteries can become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque, which leads to decreased blood flow.
This is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD can affect any artery in the body but most often affects the arteries going to the lower legs and feet, leading to pain or cramping in those
areas.
Peripheral artery disease is a scary condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
At Washington Vascular Specialists, we have advanced therapy solutions that can help prevent this condition before it gets worse. Here is everything you need to know about PAD.
What is it?
Peripheral artery disease, also referred to as peripheral vascular disease, is a blockage or narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to other body parts. The area of the body supplied by the affected artery will not get enough oxygen-rich blood. When PAD occurs in both legs, it is called iliofemoral PAD. This type of PAD can cause severe pain and make walking difficult or impossible.
This can lead to leg pain when walking, difficulty standing for long periods, and problems in the feet. PAD often occurs in people older than 45 years old or have diabetes or high blood pressure.
PAD can happen because there is not enough oxygen getting to your muscles when you walk. Here are some reasons why you should be concerned about PADs.
Symptoms of PAD
In case you have symptoms such as leg or calf pain, numbness, weakness, tiredness, or cramping in your calf muscles while walking, see your doctor right away because it may be PAD. Your
doctor will do an exam and take your medical history to determine if you have PAD and what kind.
Other symptoms to watch out for:
• Numbness or tingling in the little toe or heel
• Unhealthy nails
• Wounds that don’t heal fast
• General weakness
Treatment options for PAD
Treatment for PAD depends on how serious the blockage is. If you have mild PAD, exercise therapy and lifestyle changes may be enough to reduce your symptoms. For more serious cases,
treatment options include medication, an angioplasty procedure, or even surgery.
Medications: The doctors will prescribe medications that lower cholesterol to prevent plaque accumulation, a major causative factor of the disease. Your doctor may also prescribe diuretics
and beta-blockers to reduce blood pressure.
Exercise therapy: The doctors may recommend physical therapy and exercise under the guidance
of a health expert. They will recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and
stopping tobacco usage.
Surgery: There are different types of surgeries for peripheral artery disease. These include angioplasty, in which an artery is opened and kept open with a stent and balloon. A second most
popular surgery for PAD is bypass surgery. The specialist replaces the affected artery with healthy
blood vessels from another part of the body.
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a vascular condition in which plaque deposits build up inside the arteries that carry blood to the limbs. These deposits narrow the arteries and can lead to complications.
If left untreated, PAD can make it hard to walk and even cause heart attacks. Identifying PAD early on can help prevent or manage its progression. Staying up-to-date on your health with regular check-ups is key.
At Washington Vascular Specialists, our priority is positive patient outcomes through personalized care and advanced evidence-based therapy options. Call 301-891-2500 to book an appointment.
