Leg Pain | Peripheral Arterial Disease
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD is a chronic condition where plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs. “Plaque” is a sticky substance made of fat and cholesterol. Over time, this plaque can gradually narrow the arteries. If it progresses, blood flow in that artery can become partially or completely blocked.
When this happens, blood can’t freely provide oxygen, glucose and other essential nutrients to your legs. This can cause pain, cramps, or discomfort in your legs, especially when you walk or exercise.
How do I know I have PAD?
PAD is easily diagnosed with a evaluation by your vascular specialist and a simple noninvasive ultrasound.
Is This Treatable?
Yes! Most vein issues and easily treatable. Depending on the findings and symptoms there are varying degrees of treatment options. A conservative approach is usually first trial with medication and graded exercise programs. Issues like pain at rest, severe pain with walking or ulcers may require surgical intervention. Our surgeons specialize in state of the art minimally invasive techniques for treat of PAD. Eisenhower Medical center has state-of-the-art hybrid
operating suite specially designed for the advanced treatment of complex peripheral disease.
What are my treatment options?
- Conservative therapy including daily exercise/walking, quitting smoking and or medication.
- Endovascular Angiography, atherectomy or stenting is a less invasive procedure in which a stent (small mesh tube) is placed in the artery to keep it open.
- Intravascular Lithotripsy uses sonic pressure waves from a catheter to fracture hard calcium deposits within arteries, making them flexible enough for stents to expand fully and restore blood flow, a safer alternative to aggressive rotational atherectomy for calcified lesions in coronary and peripheral arteries, with quick recovery and minimal soft tissue impact.
- Drug Coated balloon angioplasty or stenting: A balloon coated with medicine (like paclitaxel) is expanded in the artery, delivering drugs to prevent tissue regrowth (restenosis) and then removed, leaving no metal.
