Peripheral Artery Disease Often Starts Quietly

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common circulation problem. It happens when the arteries in the legs become narrow and blood flow is reduced. The tricky part is that PAD often starts quietly.

At first, the signs may be easy to miss. Some people notice leg pain or cramping when they walk. Others feel tired legs, numbness, or weakness. Some people have cold feet or toes. And some people have no symptoms at all.

Because PAD can start slowly, many people think their symptoms are just part of getting older. But poor circulation in the legs is not something to ignore. PAD can make it harder for wounds to heal and may increase the risk of more serious health problems over time.

People who smoke, have diabetes, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol may have a higher risk for PAD. A family history of vascular disease can also matter.

The good news is that early diagnosis can help. A vascular specialist can check blood flow in your legs and recommend the next steps. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medical care, or procedures to improve circulation.

If you have leg pain with walking or other signs of poor circulation, it may be time to get checked. Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center helps patients in Avondale, Gilbert, and Sun City better understand PAD and what can be done to treat it.

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.