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PAD Treatment Near You: Find a Peripheral Artery Disease Specialist in Texas
If you’re dealing with persistent leg pain, cramping, or numbness, it may be more than just tired muscles. These symptoms could point to peripheral artery disease (PAD)—a condition caused by narrowed or blocked arteries that limit blood flow to your legs.
At Neuropathy360, our Texas-based providers help patients explore appropriate peripheral artery disease treatments based on their symptoms, medical history, and goals. From understanding what’s causing your leg pain to evaluating options like supervised exercise therapy or minimally invasive procedures, our care team offers support every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to get rid of leg pain immediately, prevent amputation, or simply learn more about your condition, we’re here to help you make informed decisions.
What is PAD?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also called peripheral arterial disease, occurs when plaque buildup narrows the artery walls, reducing blood flow—typically to the legs and feet. This poor circulation limits oxygen and nutrients, leading to leg pain, muscle pain, weakness, and, in severe cases, tissue damage or even amputation.
Symptoms of PAD
PAD symptoms may start subtly and become more noticeable as blood flow becomes increasingly restricted. Early detection is important, especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Common symptoms of PAD include:
Intermittent claudication (leg pain or cramping during walking or physical activity)
Muscle pain or fatigue in the thighs, calves, or buttocks
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Coldness in the lower leg or foot
Sores on the toes, feet, or legs that are slow to heal
Color changes in the legs
Noticeably reduced hair or toenail growth on the affected leg
Other symptoms to watch for
Shiny or tight skin
Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
Pain at rest, especially when lying flat
Burning or tingling sensations
Muscle atrophy
Severe pain in one or both legs, especially with walking or elevation
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—especially in combination with risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of cardiovascular problems—it’s time to speak with a vascular specialist to diagnose PAD and explore your treatment options.
What causes PAD?
PAD is often linked to atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaque) narrow the arteries. Other risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- A family history of heart or vascular disease
Conditions like coronary artery disease and a history of heart attack may also increase your likelihood of developing PAD.
PAD Treatment in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How is PAD diagnosed?
To diagnose PAD, a vascular specialist may review your medical history, assess your risk factors, and perform a thorough physical exam. Diagnostic testing helps confirm reduced blood flow and guides treatment planning.
Common diagnostic tools include:
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI): This painless test measures and compares blood pressure in the ankles and arms to check for reduced circulation, which may indicate blocked or narrowed arteries.
- Ultrasound imaging: A Doppler ultrasound is used to visualize how blood moves through your arteries, helping identify narrowed or blocked areas.
- Blood tests: These check for elevated cholesterol, blood sugar, and other substances that may contribute to plaque buildup and poor circulation.
Early detection is key to preventing other complications lik
What are my PAD treatment options?
The goal of PAD treatment is to improve blood flow, ease symptoms of leg pain, and reduce the risk of serious complications like amputation. Your Texas provider may recommend a combination of medical care and lifestyle strategies based on your condition and overall health.
1. Lifestyle changes
Making lifestyle changes is often the first step in managing PAD and improving circulation. These may include:
Following a balanced diet that’s low in saturated fats and trans fats and rich in whole grains
Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through diet, medication, or both
Practicing daily foot care and checking your feet daily for any signs of sores or changes
These modifications support vascular health and reduce the risk of further artery blockage.
2. Supervised exercise therapy
A supervised exercise program is one of the most effective ways to manage PAD symptoms—especially leg cramping and muscle pain. Under medical guidance, you’ll engage in physical activity proven to help increase walking distance and improve circulation.
Your program may include:
Leg exercises that target the affected limb and strengthen the muscles
The best exercises for PAD (e.g., treadmill walking, cycling, and other low-impact activities), gradually advanced as endurance improves
Monitoring and adjustments by healthcare professionals to track progress and ensure safety
This structured approach helps retrain the body to function with limited blood flow while also encouraging long-term activity habits.
3. Medications
Prescription medications can support PAD treatment by improving how blood flows through your blood vessels and reducing strain on your body. Your Texas provider may recommend:
ACE inhibitors to manage blood pressure and help protect the blood vessels
Drugs to prevent blood clots, which can lower the risk of serious complications like heart attack or stroke
Medications to lower cholesterol or relieve PAD symptoms, helping reduce plaque buildup and improve circulation throughout the body
These medications are often used alongside lifestyle changes and physical activity to manage PAD more effectively.
4. Minimally invasive PAD procedures
When lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend procedures to treat peripheral artery disease more directly by restoring circulation to the legs.
Angioplasty: A tiny balloon is inserted into a blocked artery and gently inflated to widen it.
Stenting: A small mesh tube is placed to keep the artery open, improving long-term blood flow and reducing symptoms like severe pain or leg cramping.
These treatments are commonly performed on an outpatient basis and are often combined with other therapies to support full recovery.
For patients with advanced PAD, especially those who aren’t candidates for revascularization and experience persistent leg pain at rest, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be considered.
SCS can help:
Improve circulation in the affected limb
Reduce pain by modulating nerve signals
Delay or avoid amputation in severe cases
Your care team will review your medical history, symptoms, and medical information to determine the most appropriate approach. They’ll also consider how other substances in your blood—like lipids, glucose, and clotting factors—may be affecting your condition.
Can PAD be reversed?
PAD can’t always be reversed, but it can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. A combination of early detection, regular exercise, and medical treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
When should I see a doctor?
It’s time to see a doctor if you’re experiencing:
- Unexplained leg pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Wounds that don’t heal
- A feeling of heaviness or fatigue in your legs
These may be signs of peripheral artery disease, particularly if you also have diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease. Don’t wait—talk to a vascular specialist to get a clear diagnosis and explore your treatment options.
