Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

This narrowing of arteries reduces blood flow to your arms or legs. It most often affects the legs and feet. Smoking and diabetes raise your risk for this disease. So do obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age and other factors.

How do we treat it? Treatment often begins with a healthier lifestyle. So eat a healthy diet. Be sure to get exercise every day. And if you smoke, quit. We may also control this disease with medications. If you have a severe blockage, we recommend a procedure to open the blockage or divert blood around it. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Q & A

What is PAD?

PAD is a common circulatory condition that develops when your arteries become narrow, and blood can’t travel to your extremities efficiently. The disease usually affects your feet and legs, although it can develop in any of your peripheral arteries. 

Common signs of PAD include:

• Claudication — painful cramping in your legs during exercise
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Cold feet compared to the rest of your body
• The skin on feet and lower legs changes color or looks shiny
• The hair on your legs and toenails grow slowly
• Weak or absent pulse in your feet and ankles

When left untreated, PAD can cause pain while resting, restless leg syndrome, and more severe complications.

How does PAD cause pain?

PAD limits blood flow to your muscles and nerves, leading to atrophy and damage. Claudication is an early sign of insufficient blood flow to your muscles. The pain is how your muscles tell you that they’re not getting enough oxygen or nutrients to maintain activity. 

PAD also reduces your body’s ability to heal itself. As a result, you can develop slow-to-heal sores and ulcers, which increase your risk of infection and more severe pain.

Nerve damage occurs because PAD deprives them of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. It also increases your chances of developing ulcers as you won’t feel minor injuries, which become more severe when untreated.

How is PAD diagnosed?

The team at the University Pain and Spine Center diagnoses PAD and related pain with comprehensive exams and state-of-the-art diagnostic testing. They check the pulse in your ankles and look for signs of PAD, including skin that is colder or looks discolored or shiny. 

The team also uses ultrasound and angiography to evaluate your arteries and blood flow. They also use electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to diagnose neuropathy. 

How is PAD-related pain treated?

The team at the University Pain and Spine Center approach PAD-related pain in two ways. They provide a variety of treatments to relieve your pain. Depending on your specific condition, your provider might recommend a nerve block or cold laser therapy. They might prescribe medication to improve your blood flow and reduce your claudication. 

At the same time, they can recommend lifestyle adjustments to improve your circulatory health. They can work with your vascular health specialist to help you restore your health and reduce your pain.

Call University Pain and Spine Center or make an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment for PAD-related pain.