Peripheral Artery Disease

symptoms and treatment

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

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Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. When you develop PAD, your extremities — usually your legs — don’t receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This causes symptoms, most notably leg pain when walking (claudication). PAD is also a sign of a more widespread accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which may reduce blood flow to your heart and brain as well as your legs.

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms can be subtle. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

  • Leg pain when walking (claudication): This pain can occur in the calf, thigh, or buttock and typically goes away after a few minutes of rest.
  • Leg numbness or weakness: This can be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the affected limb.
  • Coldness in your lower leg or foot: This occurs especially when compared with the other leg.
  • Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal: These non-healing sores are a serious indication of reduced blood flow.
  • A change in the color of your legs: A bluish or pale color can indicate poor circulation.
  • Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs: This can be accompanied by slower toenail growth.
  • Shiny skin on your legs: The skin may appear tight and shiny due to poor blood flow.
  • Weak or no pulse in your legs or feet: This is often detected during a physical examination.
  • Erectile dysfunction in men: This can be a sign of blocked arteries in the pelvic area.

In-Office Treatments for PAD

At California Vascular Health Specialists, we offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments for PAD in our modern, convenient outpatient setting. Our goal is to restore proper blood flow, alleviate symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Here are some of the in-office treatments we provide:

  • Angioplasty and Stenting: This minimally invasive procedure involves inflating a small balloon inside the narrowed artery to widen it, often followed by placing a stent to keep the artery open.
  • Atherectomy: This procedure removes plaque from the artery using a small device on the end of a catheter, improving blood flow.
  • Endovascular Laser Therapy: A laser is used to precisely target and remove blockages within the artery.
  • Medication Management: Prescription medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. These may include antiplatelet agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
  • Supervised Exercise Programs: Our specialists design exercise programs to improve walking distance and reduce symptoms of claudication.
  • Lifestyle Counseling: We provide guidance on lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, diet modifications, and weight management, which are crucial for managing PAD.
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Why Choose California Vascular Health Specialists?

Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care for patients with PAD. Utilizing the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques, we aim to deliver effective treatments with minimal downtime. Our patient-centered approach ensures that you receive the best possible care in a comfortable and supportive environment.


If you are experiencing symptoms of PAD or have concerns about your vascular health, contact California Vascular Health Specialists today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you achieve better vascular health and improve your quality of life.

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