Walking Pain Free May Require Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment from Skilled NJ Foot Doctors

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious vascular condition caused by a buildup of plaque within the peripheral arteries of the legs and feet. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood, and can accumulate as a result of several different factors. The buildup of plaque or blood clots can severely narrow or block the arteries and limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body.

PAD develops as a result of atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque within the arteries that narrows the vessel and restricts blood flow. It is most common in patients with other vascular conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as those with a family history of these conditions, but often tends to occur in patients who smoke, are over the age of 50 or are obese.

It is important for these patients to take certain precautions to reduce their risk of PAD and other serious conditions and to undergo regular vascular evaluations to detect any problems as soon as they occur.

Symptoms

Many patients with PAD do not experience any symptoms and may not be aware that they have this condition, while others may experience:

• Pain or cramping in the hips, thighs or calves
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Skin sores
• Hair loss
• Weak pulse in the legs
• Coldness in the leg

Symptoms can vary significantly between patients, so it is important to see a knowledgeable vascular surgeon in order to accurately diagnose this condition.

Venous and Arterial Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation

A Doppler vascular evaluation produces images of blood flowing through the organs and blood vessels in order to identify blood clots, insufficient blood flow, blockages and determine the cause of varicose and spider veins. While similar to a traditional ultrasound procedure, a Doppler ultrasound allows doctors and patients to evaluate blood flowing through the blood vessels in real time.

This procedure is performed by applying gel to the targeted area and moving a transducer across the skin while the patient lies very still in order to produce images of the blood vessels. This procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes to perform and results are visible on the screen for the doctor and patient to view together. This procedure produces clear images of the blood vessels that cannot be obtained from any other imaging procedure, and does not use any ionizing radiation while doing so.

Treatment

Treatment for PAD aims to relieve symptoms and stop the progression of the disease to reduce the risk of a heart attack or other serious complications. Patients with mild forms of PAD may be able to effectively treat their condition through life changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy, balanced diet and following a regular exercise plan. It is also important for patients, especially those with diabetes, to take good care of their feet.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat PAD, including those designed to:

• Lower cholesterol
• Lower high blood pressure
• Control blood sugar
• Prevent blood clots
• Relieve pain and other symptoms

For more severe cases of PAD, surgical treatment may be required to clear blockages and restore normal blood flow. Some of the most commonly used procedures for PAD include angioplasty, stenting or bypass grafting.