PAD -What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It is always advisable to seek medical help if you experience any unusual signs or symptoms. For instance, did you know that feeling pain while walking can lead to serious health problems? Experiencing leg pain while walking can be due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). According to recent studies, this condition can be facilitated by aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, long exposure to cigarette smoke and high cholesterol. PAD affects both men and women with the condition increases the chances of cardiovascular problems such as stroke and heart attack.
People affected by PAD experience pain while walking because they may have fat deposits in their leg arteries. As a result, the deposits block the flow of blood to leg muscles and the arteries that support the heart and the brain.
Common symptoms of PAD include pain and cramping in thighs, hips, calves, and buttocks. However, since the deposits affect the flow of blood in the body, PAD typically affects the muscles only (not the joints). Pain is mainly experienced while walking although it is also possible to experience pain while sitting down. It is important to understand that some people may experience color changes on the feet and coldness in one or both feet due to lack of blood to the muscles and body cells.
Treatment
Although treatment may vary from one person to another, common PAD treatments include regular exercising, change of lifestyle and to reduce or stop smoking especially to chain smokers. In many cases seeing a board certified vascular surgeon to discuss your symptoms is highly recommended and in some cases, surgery could be the ideal treatment option. If you experience any of the symptoms or you have PAD, your doctor will provide reliable treatment and advice on how to deal with the condition.
Disclaimer-The contents of the Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the PVVC site (“content”) are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center site.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
