Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition impacting the arteries located in the arms and legs in which an accumulation of plaque builds up. This plaque, which is made of cholesterol and fats, can limit the ability of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to reach all areas of tissue in these areas. This type of vascular disease can be debilitating, and while there is no cure for it, there are treatment options that may be able to provide some level of help to you.
What Causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Over time, an accumulation of fatty plaque builds up on the interior lining of the walls of the arteries. As that happens, the opening that allows blood to pass through it becomes smaller and smaller. This buildup could occur for various reasons, including poor disease and genetic conditions. Over time, the blood vessels become so narrow that no blood can pass through them.
Common Symptoms of PAD
Many times, people who have this type of vascular disease do not have symptoms of it. Some people experience pain or discomfort in their legs (where the condition is most likely to occur). This may include feeling tired while walking or having an aching area of the legs, such as near the calf or the buttocks. Because PAD builds up over your lifetime, sometimes the symptoms do not become more obvious until a person is older and the arteries have narrowed to as much as 60 percent. At that point, you may begin to notice:
· Leg pain when active
· Leg pain that seems to improve when resting
· When being active again, the pain returns
· Leg muscles that feel heavy, weak, or tired
More advanced symptoms include a burning or aching pain in the feet or toes, frequent infections, cool skin on the feet, or a color change on the skin.
How to Get Help for Vascular Disease
Finding the help you need for peripheral arterial disease is possible at Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville, TN. Our board certified vascular surgeons have years of experience in diagnosing and treating vascular diseases. We urge you not to ignore the signs of PAD and encourage you not to wait to seek treatment. Get help now for your vascular disease.
Request an appointment with Premier Vascular & Vein Center by calling (865) 588-8229 or visit https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/book-online/