Peripheral artery disease, or PAD for short, is a condition that affects the arteries in your body. You may not even realize you have it until symptoms arise. The specialist at St. Louis peripheral artery disease will help you recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease so you can get help if necessary. This article will include everything you need to know about PAD.
Signs And Symptoms of PAD
Listed below are the signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease. If you experience these for an extended period or if they become worse, see your doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the chest, back, hips, or legs when walking.
- Numbness/tingling in the legs, hips, feet, or toes.
- Pale skin on your lower body and ankles due to a lack of blood flow.
What are the Conditions Associated with PAD?
There are many conditions associated with peripheral artery disease. Some of these include atherosclerosis, obesity, smoking, and diabetes. If you have any of these risk factors, then your chances of developing PAD increase.
What Should You Do If You are Worried About Developing PAD?
You can decrease your chances of developing PAD by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking. These steps are crucial if you are at risk for PAD. It’s also important to see your doctor regularly so they can monitor any changes in your condition.
If You Develop PAD, What Will Happen?
PAD is a serious illness that, if left untreated, could result in amputation of the affected leg or even death. If you do have PAD, then your doctor will create a treatment plan for you. This may include medication, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
If You Have Been Diagnosed with PAD, What Can You Do?
If you have been diagnosed with PAD, you should start doing many things right away to get the best possible outcome from this condition. These include eating healthy, quitting smoking if you are a smoker, and exercising regularly.
Treatments for Peripheral Arterial Disease
There are many treatments for PAD, and your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan for you. Some of the most common include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery, depending on how severe your symptoms are. Make sure to always follow the advice from your healthcare provider as they know best when it comes to treating this condition.
What Can You Do to Help Manage Your condition?
Managing your condition is vital to keeping it under control so you can continue with everyday activities. Some things that you should do include eating healthy, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking if applicable. If your doctor prescribes medication, then make sure to take them exactly as instructed by the label. Also, be aware of any side effects that the medication may have.
What Are Complications Associated with PAD?
Complications linked to peripheral arterial disease can include amputation of a limb, heart attack, or stroke. If you do have this condition, make sure to monitor your symptoms closely and see your doctor regularly to check for any changes in your condition.
In summary, PAD is a condition that affects the arteries in your body. It can cause numbness and pain when walking, pale skin on your legs or ankles, chest/back/legs pain when walking for an extended period, and more. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, it would be best to visit a specialist.
