September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a condition that affects millions of Americans but often goes undiagnosed. At Premier Vascular & Vein Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, our fellowship-trained vascular surgeons are dedicated to helping patients recognize the signs early and get the treatment they need to stay healthy and active.

What Is PAD?

Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries that carry blood to your limbs—most commonly the legs. This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, causes the arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow. Left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including limb loss, stroke or heart attack.

Common Signs & Symptoms

PAD can develop slowly, and symptoms may be subtle at first. Recognizing them early can make all the difference. The most common signs include:

• Leg pain when walking (claudication) that improves with rest
• Numbness, weakness, or cramping in the legs or hips
• Coldness in one leg compared to the other
• Sores on the feet or legs that won’t heal
• Shiny skin, hair loss, or slow toenail growth on the legs
• Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet

Many people mistakenly assume these symptoms are just part of aging. In reality, they may be warning signs of restricted blood flow that requires medical attention and intervention.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of the symptoms above, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a vascular specialist. You should also be evaluated if you have risk factors such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking history
• Family history of vascular disease

Early diagnosis is key. A simple, noninvasive test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI) can compare blood pressure in your ankle and arm to detect reduced blood flow.

Treatment Options for PAD

The good news is that PAD can be managed—and in many cases, significantly improved—with proper treatment. At Premier Vascular & Vein Center, we offer a wide range of therapies, including:

• Lifestyle modifications: Quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a healthy diet are the foundation of PAD care.
• Medications: To manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood thinning.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Such as angioplasty or stent placement to open narrowed arteries and restore circulation.
• Bypass surgery: In more advanced cases, creating a new path for blood to flow around a blocked artery.

Our board-certified vascular surgeons work closely with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan focused on long-term health and quality of life.

Take Charge of Your Vascular Health

This PAD Awareness Month, take a moment to listen to your legs. If you’re experiencing pain, cramping, or non-healing wounds, don’t ignore it. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications and help you stay active for years to come. Premier Surgical Vascular & Vein Center is Knoxville’s largest group of board-certified, fellowship-trained Vascular Surgeons.

📞 Call Premier Vascular & Vein Center today at (865) 588-8229 or
🌐 Request an appointment online 

Your legs carry you through life—let us help keep them healthy.