Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Learn what PAD is. Adopt a healthier lifestyle and reduce the likelihood of this vascular problem progressing.

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What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the damage to the arteries that carry blood to the lower limbs by atherosclerosis—that is, the hardening of the artery walls and a reduction in the space within which blood can circulate. This narrowing can be partial, described as "tightening," or total.

This condition results in difficulty in oxygenating the tissues of the lower limbs, namely muscles, nerves and skin.

Patients often first consult a physiatrist or orthopedist, as this problem can be confused, at an early stage, with muscle pain.

Symptoms

The patient may complain of pain only while walking or making prolonged physical efforts, such as walking faster or at a steep incline.
This pain is most common in the calf, but it depends on the location of the blocked artery. It can also be felt in the foot, buttock, hip, or other variable areas.

In more severe cases, symptoms vary. The patient may experience pain even at rest, as oxygen levels are severely compromised. In these cases, non-healing wounds or even gangrene may develop in the extremities.
Gangrene occurs when tissues don't receive enough oxygen to ensure the survival of their constituent cells, which eventually die. This condition is irreversible, and the limb may even be amputated.