Persistent Leg Discomfort: Could It Be PAD?

September is National Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, and a great time to give some thought to this common but often-overlooked health condition. 

You might be surprised to learn that not only does PAD affect around 10 million Americans, but it’s also a factor in as many as 400 amputations that occur each day. Yet many people have never talked with a healthcare provider about their risk for PAD or how to prevent it. 

The team at Heart Care is dedicated to helping community members in Frisco, Texas, improve their heart health and avoid serious issues. Working with Shahnaz Begum, MD, FACC, is an outstanding way to stay heart healthy throughout your lifetime. 

What is peripheral artery disease, and why is it so important?

Peripheral artery disease develops when the arteries that carry blood to your arms or legs become so narrow that they cannot adequately transport blood to the areas of your body farthest from your heart. Your body needs a steady flow of blood, which delivers the oxygen and nutrients your cells need to thrive. 

The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by an accumulation of fatty deposits inside your arteries, which causes a narrowing of the arteries and restricted blood flow. 

PAD develops over time, and doesn’t always create a clear set of symptoms. People can go for years or even decades without a proper diagnosis. For some, a stroke or heart attack is the first indication that they have PAD. 

Restricted blood flow to your arms and legs can also lead to tissue death. You can develop sores that don’t heal properly, and amputation is a real risk. Peripheral artery disease is often called the “silent amputator,” a name that is well deserved sobering. 

What are some of the signs of PAD?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to see a vascular specialist for a thorough diagnostic assessment. Persistent leg pain is one of the most common symptoms of PAD. This pain most often occurs while you are walking or otherwise active, and eases when you rest. 

Pain can feel like cramping or muscle aches. The severity of your pain can range from mild to severe. In the more advanced stages of PAD, pain can occur even while you are resting or lying down, and can wake you from sleep. 

In addition to persistent leg pain, PAD can also cause:

• Sensation of weakness or numbness in the legs
• Skin that feels cold to the touch in your legs and feet
• Weak or no pulse in your feet or lower legs
• Redness or other abnormal coloration in your lower legs and feet
• Frequent sores and/or infections in your lower legs and feet

It’s so important to pay close attention to any changes you notice in how your body feels and functions. No one is better qualified than you to detect shifts in your health and wellness. 

What can be done to treat PAD?

The good news is that when caught early, it’s possible to treat and even reverse PAD effectively.

Lifestyle modifications are a central part of treating PAD. Taking steps to reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure can go a long way toward improving your circulation and reducing your risk of serious adverse health outcomes. 

It might seem daunting to make significant changes in your daily habits. But when you partner with the team at Heart Care, you have the guidance and support you need to make sustainable changes in your health. 

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is a big part of the process. Finding ways to fuel your body with nutritious foods is a great place to begin. But you should never underestimate the importance of staying active. 

Some medications can help treat PAD. Drug therapy is never used as a stand-alone treatment approach and is always combined with lifestyle modification. 

If you’re ready to learn more about your risk for PAD and how to prevent or treat this serious health condition, September is a great time to begin. Give us a call to book a visit or set up an appointment at Heart Care using our simple online booking tool.