Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by the progressive thickening of the artery walls due to plaque build-up. This causes the artery to narrow, blocking blood flow and reducing circulation in some parts of the body. Suppose the plaque surface develops ulcers or an irregularity. In that case, it can accumulate tiny blood clots and plaque contents that move into the circulatory system blocking blood flow through the smaller blood vessels. It can cause damage to vital organs, including the brain.

In most cases, people with this condition do not experience any symptoms until it is more advanced. Suppose you notice symptoms associated with PAD. In that case, you need to see a Warner Robins peripheral artery disease specialist as soon as possible so you can treat the problem before it causes more complications.

Symptoms

In most cases, you will experience painful cramping around your hips, thighs, or calves if you have PAD. The pain becomes more severe when you walk or go up a staircase. You may also develop cramping pain that stays even after exercising. Some patients develop a significant drop in temperature affecting the foot or lower leg. Additionally, you may find it challenging to keep up with others while walking, or exercising. Other symptoms include color changes affecting the legs, gangrene, thin shiny skin, and hair loss.

Risk Factors

Many risk factors make you more susceptible to PAD. Some of them include high blood pressure and diabetes. If you have any of these two conditions, make sure you get checked regularly to bring them under control. Obesity is also a common risk factor. High cholesterol becomes toxic when it gets to the arteries. Smokers are also more likely to develop PAD as compared to non-smokers. Additionally, men over 60 and women going through menopause are more likely to develop the condition. Some people with a family history of the disease are more likely to suffer from PAD.

Treatment

If you have peripheral artery disease, you can take different treatments. A specialist can prescribe medications to lower your cholesterol levels and control blood pressure. Some medicines also help manage blood sugar and improve circulation. 

If your condition does not respond to medication, your doctor may recommend arterial surgery to bypass or eliminate the arterial disease. It is effective and safe and offers long-lasting results. This technique is mainly used for cases of PAD that affect the legs or abdomen. After removing the disease, your doctor will replace it with a synthetic graft to continue normal blood flow.

Stenting and angioplasty is more advanced treatment. It is less invasive than surgery. It opens blocked artery parts using small balloons inserted through a catheter. The balloons inflate, opening the artery for better blood flow. The doctor can then insert a stent to maintain the expanded artery.

If you have blood clots blocking blood flow, your doctor can use a catheter to deliver drugs that dissolve or eliminate the clot directly.

In summary, PAD is a condition caused by the build-up of plaque in the arteries. It causes painful cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves. You are more likely to develop PAD if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. Treatment includes medication, stenting and angioplasty, clot removal, and artery surgery.