Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.)

Conditions

Oftentimes a visit to your primary doctor may result in additional visits to various specialty providers. The reason for this is due to a variety of conditions that may express similar symptoms. For example, if you have pain in your feet while walking this can be the result of an individual condition or a combination of conditions. Foot pain may be a result of a skeletal, muscular, nerve damage or vascular condition. Pittsburgh North Surgical Center is made up of a wide variety of specialists who provide a comprehensive approach with a convenient location to examine all roots of your symptoms. A review of these common conditions will help guide you to make a convenient appointment with one of our specialist

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What It Is

This is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. In (PAD), the legs don’t receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This may cause leg pain when walking (claudication) and other symptoms.

Symptoms

Peripheral artery disease symptoms may include:

  • Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side
  • Leg numbness or weakness
  • No pulse or a weak pulse in the legs or feet
  • Painful cramping in one or both of the hips, thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs
  • Shiny skin on the legs
  • Skin color changes on the legs
  • Slower growth of the toenails
  • Sores on the toes, feet or legs that won’t heal
  • Pain when using the arms, such as aching and cramping when knitting, writing or doing other manual tasks
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Hair loss or slower hair growth on the

Possible Causes

  • Genetics
  • High Blood pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Treatment

Treatment of P.A.D. is an outpatient procedure that can be performed at the comfort of our center. Our specialist will examine where the plaque buildup is occurring and determine the best method to use that will result in the proper blood flow to your lower legs. Please see our treatment page to learn more about your day of procedure.