Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment
Nonsurgical PAD Treatments in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma
What is PAD?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is caused by narrowing or blockage of the arteries from the heart to the legs. PAD or PVD is caused by the build up of fatty deposits and calcium in the arteries.
Symptoms
- Pain or cramping in the buttocks or legs with exercise that improves with rest
- Severe causes can result in pain at rest or wounds of the legs which do not heal
- Cool skin, hair loss on the legs, and/or thinning of the skin
- In some cases, wounds can even lead to a need for amputation
Risk Factors
- The main risk factor for PAD is smoking or history of smoking
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, High cholesterol. Heart disease, and stroke
- Older people are also at higher risk of developing symptoms because the atherosclerotic plaques build up with time
Diagnosis
A physician will begin the process by taking a complete medical history and thorough physical exam.
Additional tests may be used to make the diagnosis such as
- Doppler ultrasound
- Measuring the blood pressures in your legs and feet
- CT or conventional angiography
Treatment
- Medical management – Proper medications and control of risk factors
- Thrombectomy – the process of mechanically removing blood clot from the arteries
- Atherectomy – mechanical removal of the plaque from the inside of the artery
- Angioplasty – using a balloon mounted on a catheter to physically stretch the artery open to allow unobstructed blood flow
- Stenting – A metallic scaffold that can be placed in the area of persistent stenosis or obstruction to help keep the artery open
Why Choose Apex?
Our board-certified, highly experienced doctors treat each patient with individual care, attention, and comprehensive follow-up care to ensure complete rehabilitation.
PAD Quiz
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Frequently Asked Questions About Peripheral Artery Disease
How is PAD different from arthritis or muscle pain?
PAD-related pain is caused by reduced blood flow and often appears during walking or activity, then improves with rest. Joint or muscle pain tends to behave differently and is not tied to circulation changes.
Does PAD always cause pain when walking?
No. Some people with PAD experience leg pain or cramping during activity, while others notice fatigue, heaviness, or no symptoms at all. The absence of pain does not mean circulation is normal, especially in people with diabetes or nerve damage.
Why do PAD symptoms improve with rest?
During walking, leg muscles need more oxygen-rich blood. In PAD, narrowed arteries cannot meet that demand, leading to discomfort. When you stop and rest, demand decreases and symptoms often improve, which is a common early sign of the condition.
Can PAD affect only one leg?
Yes. PAD can affect one leg more than the other, depending on where arterial narrowing is located. Differences in leg temperature, pain, or walking ability can sometimes point to uneven circulation.
Is PAD reversible?
PAD is a chronic condition, but its progression can often be slowed or stabilized. With appropriate treatment and risk factor management, many patients experience improved circulation, reduced symptoms, and better mobility.
Can PAD treatment improve walking distance?
In many cases, yes. By improving blood flow to the leg muscles, treatment can reduce pain and fatigue during activity, allowing patients to walk farther and more comfortably.
Are non-healing foot wounds a sign of PAD?
They can be. Poor circulation limits the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Wounds on the feet or toes that heal slowly or not at all should always be evaluated for possible circulation problems.