Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common circulatory condition where over time plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, forcing the arteries to narrow and constrict blood flow to the legs and feet.
This can cause significant pain in the leg as there is not enough blood flow. When walking, the pain can be significant. The board-certified cardiologists at Tri-City Cardiology are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of PAD. Call (480) 835-6100 to request an appointment at one of our cardiology clinics in the Phoenix area.
Symptoms of PAD
Although it may be easy to diagnose symptoms of leg pain as just “a normal part of aging,” this pain could be an early sign of PAD. The most common symptoms of PAD may include:
- Cold toes or feet
- Dry, discolored skin
- Pain while walking
- Leg pain at nighttime
- Feeling like your leg is heavy
- Numbness or burning sensation
- Wounds and bruises that won’t heal
- Black areas on your feet or toes (otherwise known as Gangrene)
Treatment Options for PAD
Typically, PAD is a treatable condition as long as it is caught and treated early. That’s why it’s important to consult with a cardiologist when you experience significant leg pain before it worsens.
If your PAD is not causing blood clots or another serious issue, your doctor will likely suggest a series of lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your PAD symptoms over time.
These lifestyle changes may include:
Quit Smoking. As a direct cause to the constriction of your arteries, quitting smoking is often the first recommendation. Even if you do not currently have PAD, it is recommended to stop smoking in order to prevent PAD in the future.
Adopt a Better Diet. Eating foods that are high in saturated fats can lead to a plethora of health issues, including those that contribute to PAD such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.
Take Small Strides Toward Exercise. Exercise can help your muscles use oxygen more efficiently, thus extending how far you may be able to walk without pain. In addition, exercise can help your blood flow, preventing further issues with cardiovascular disease and cholesterol.
If your PAD is not able to be remedied via medications or exercise, or has reached a specific level of severity, your doctor may recommend a traditional or minimally invasive surgical procedure.
Minimally Invasive PAD Surgery
Angioplasty. Your surgeon will insert a small catheter into the artery that is blocked or is restricting blood flow. On the tip of the catheter, a balloon will be expanded, creating a wider channel that allows the blood to pass freely. This is a very common form of treatment for PAD.
Atherectomy. Similar to an angioplasty, the atherectomy begins with a catheter inserted into the blocked or restricted area. However, instead of using a balloon, this procedure uses a small blade to shave away the plaque that is blocking the artery and removes it from your body.
Traditional PAD Surgery
Bypass. This is often a last resort for PAD treatment, and is not typically discussed during the first stages of the treatment. If PAD is affecting major arteries, a bypass procedure may be warranted in order to allow blood to pass around the blocked or narrowed artery. Bypass will require a longer hospital stay.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about treatment options for PAD!
If you are looking for relief from leg pain due to PAD, please contact Tri-City Cardiology in Phoenix today at (480) 835-6100.