Over 50 percent of Americans have one of their limbs amputated as a result of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries as a result of fatty deposits build up), PAD causes a reduction of blood flow into the lower extremities.
People in the older age group, smokers, and those with high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes are at higher risk of developing this disease. When left unmanaged, PAD can cause total loss of circulation to the legs and feet, resulting in gangrene and eventually, amputation.
Preventing Vascular Amputation
Many people have mistaken the symptoms of PAD for something else and it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
One of the best ways to prevent limb loss from PAD is by consulting a Vascular Surgeon if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Painful cramping in one or both of the hips, thighs, or calf muscles after doing certain activities
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot when compared to the other one
- Change in color of the leg
- Weak or absence of pulse in one leg
- Slower growth of toenails
Slower hair growth or hair loss in one leg
How a Vascular Surgeon can help you
In the early stages of PAD, you may be prescribed medications and some lifestyle changes. If these don’t improve your condition, you may be recommended for more intensive intervention such as surgery.
Vascular surgeons will assess your condition and determine whether you may need a minimally invasive procedure or a bigger vascular surgery.
Some of the known minimally invasive procedures recommended for PAD include angioplasty and stenting. Two major procedures that can help clear the blockage due to PAD include peripheral artery bypass surgery and atherosclerosis endarterectomy. The goal of these procedures is to clear the blockage and get your blood flowing freely.
Premier Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville has the largest team of board-certified vascular surgeons in East Tennessee. We can assess your vascular condition and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. For appointments, call (865) 306-5775 or visit https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/book-online/.