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Neuropathy
Leg Pain: A Sign of Peripheral Artery Disease
Leg pain can be caused by countless ailments and injuries. Many people attribute their leg pain to the fact that they are getting older. However, leg pain is the classic symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – a narrowing or blockage of the peripheral arteries that deliver blood to the legs. Although many people with PAD do not experience symptoms, it is important to identify symptoms when they are present and take action to prevent the condition from worsening.
PAD can develop throughout someone’s life. Early detection and treatment are crucial so that you can continue living a healthy life. If you are experiencing leg pain that you believe may be caused by peripheral artery disease, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at American Endovascular today.
Symptoms of Leg Pain
The leg pain caused by PAD has certain characteristics that distinguish it from other conditions (such as arthritis, muscle strain, or nerve injury). If you have symptoms of PAD you should bring your concerns to your doctor as early as possible. Symptoms of leg pain caused by PAD include:
- A recurring painful cramp or ache in the legs when walking, that disappears after a few minutes of rest
- Painful muscle cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves when walking, climbing stairs, or exercising
- Pain or numbness in the toes or feet at night, that may wake you from sleep, is only resolved by dangling the legs or standing
- Pain may affect one or both legs
Causes of Leg Pain
Leg pain can range from mild to severe; from a mere annoyance to something incredibly disruptive and debilitating. It is important to work with a doctor to determine the cause of your leg pain so that you can start the right treatment path and find relief. Some of the many causes of leg pain include:
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Arthritis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Muscle strain
- Nerve damage
- Sciatica
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
- Varicose veins
How Does Peripheral Artery Disease Cause Leg Pain?
Since PAD causes issues with blood being carried to the legs, pain may initially occur during walking and exercise when the demand for blood flow and oxygen delivery is increased. This is called “intermittent claudication,” and may affect the buttocks, hips, thighs or calves (depending on the location of the blocked artery).
With increasing severity, there may be insufficient blood flow even at rest, particularly when the legs are elevated and gravity can’t help flow, and this may result in pain or numbness in the calf and foot with leg elevation, often waking someone from sleep. In the worst case, wounds may develop or not heal due to inadequate blood flow. Pain at rest and non-healing wounds are called “critical limb ischemia” or “CLI” and require urgent medical attention to avoid a possible amputation.
Treatment for PAD-Related Leg Pain
What to Expect from Your PAD Treatment
Minimally invasive treatment
Outpatient procedure – no hospitalization
Shorter recovery time than traditional surgery
Compassionate outpatient care
Warm and comforting environment
Schedule an Appointment for PAD Treatment
If you are experiencing leg pain that you believe may be caused by PAD, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our affiliated endovascular specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease are crucial in addressing symptoms and avoiding future complications. Please request an appointment at one of our vascular centers in New York and New Jersey for compassionate vascular care tailored to you.
Our Vascular Specialists
At American Endovascular, you will find a team of affiliated endovascular specialists who truly care about your health and wellbeing. The specialists at our vascular centers in NY and NJ are nationally recognized as innovators and leaders in vascular and interventional radiology, making all the difference for patients of all ages living with Neuropathy.
At our American Endovascular Centers in New York and New Jersey, we will work with you to address your symptoms of PAD. Our centers are equipped with the latest minimally-invasive, image-guided technology that offers patients comprehensive outpatient care.
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