Peripheral Arterial Disease Care

Understanding PAD and Circulation

Learn how peripheral arterial disease affects your legs and feet, and why early care matters.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Explained

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 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, changes in color, sores on your feet, toes, or legs that will not heal, and hair loss on the feet and legs.

PAD is often 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.

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 the diagnosis. If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an evaluation with our team so we can assess your circulation and build a plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment, Testing, and Prevention

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

Prevention is key, so early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent future issues like ulceration, gangrene, and amputation. At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, 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.

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent painful claudication from PAD. This includes quitting smoking, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping blood sugar in control if you have diabetes, and eating foods low in saturated fats.

Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or any other foot or ankle disorder are encouraged to schedule an appointment with our team today so we can help protect your long-term foot health.