While pain in legs and other limbs may seem common and not a cause for concern, there is a chance you could be suffering from peripheral artery disease. We at Freedom Home Care feel it is vital to be aware of the signs and causes of PAD. USA Vascular Centers discussed what is PAD Disease and the 10 most common questions about it. Read below to see what we learned.
What is PAD?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which circulatory problems cause narrowed arteries to reduce blood flow to your limbs. When your blood flow does not circulate properly, it results in a variety of painful symptoms that may be concerning. While many people with peripheral artery disease have mild to no symptoms, it is important to recognize possible causes and symptoms in order to evaluate treatment options.
Symptoms of PAD that should not be ignored include:
- Pain in legs after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Leg or foot temperature differs from the other
- Sores or wounds that are slow or non-healing
- A change in color in legs
- Slow nail or hair growth
- Shiny skin on legs
- No pulse or weak pulse in legs
Leading Causes of PAD
Peripheral artery disease is primarily caused by Atherosclerosis. This is when fatty deposits build up on your artery walls and reduce blood flow. Other causes may include blood vessel inflammation, injury to your limbs, unusual anatomy of your ligaments or muscles, or radiation exposure. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you may be high risk for PAD if you smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, are over 60 years old, or if you have been diagnosed with Atherosclerosis.
Treatment Options for PAD
The best treatment option for PAD is to try to adopt a healthy lifestyle. If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious health risks such as critical limb ischemia, heart disease, stroke or heart attack. Some lifestyle changes to make include:
- Quitting smoking
- Exercise for 30-45 minutes daily
- Monitor cholesterol and blood pressure
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
It may be easy to dismiss leg pain, but we at Freedom Home Care believe it is important to monitor health risks and always be aware of any signs or symptoms of serious health problems. If you are experiencing pain in in your legs or feet or have any of the above mentioned symptoms, our certified caregivers are happy to help connect you to your healthcare provider. Comfort and trust are at the forefront of our mission at Freedom Home Care; whether you are looking for in home care, Alzheimer’s care, or personalized elder care, we are here for you.
