Are you experiencing heaviness, weakness, severe tiredness, or weak pulses in your lower extremities? Is walking difficult? Do you have to prop up your feet after a long day? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to call and see a doctor who specializes in vascular diseases.
What is vascular disease and why should you be concerned?
Vascular Disease includes any condition that affects your circulatory system. Poor circulation can affect your legs, arms, neck and kidneys, and can lead to life threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
There are different kinds of vascular diseases, many of which are caused by any form of blockage in the blood vessels.
A common vascular disease, Carotid Artery Disease happens when atherosclerosis occurs. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque, a fatty substance, that clogs the arteries slowing down the flow of blood. Without any form of intervention, atherosclerosis can lead to coronary artery disease, the number one killer of adults in the United States.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (or PAD) can lead to serious artery blockages that can result in limb infections, gangrene, and amputation of your leg.
Many people with PAD don’t know that they have it. Some will experience pain in the calf or buttocks while walking or exercising. Other notable signs and symptoms of PAD include:
- Leg pain with walking
- Leg or foot pain at rest
- Camping in legs
- Leg or foot sores that won’t heal
- Skin discoloration on the leg or foot
- Cool foot
Read our PAD checklist here to learn more.
Undiagnosed vascular disease can lead to loss of extremities and limbs.
How serious are they?
Having a vascular disease means your body tissues are not getting enough blood to sustain normal body processes. This is why it’s very important to see a vascular specialist the moment you notice any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Untreated vascular disease can lead to more serious health issues like stroke, heart attack, and gangrene, which could lead to amputation.
Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center of Knoxville has the largest group of board-certified vascular surgeons in East Tennessee. We are experts in diagnosing and treating vascular conditions ranging from simple varicose veins to more serious issues. To book an appointment, please call (865) 588-8229 or request an appointment online by visiting this link.