Leg Pain

Leg pain isn’t something you should ignore. It could be indicative of peripheral artery disease, which is a severe health condition. The experts at American Vascular Specialists are available to help you determine the root cause of your leg pain — and get treatment if needed. Call the office in Mesa, Arizona, or request your appointment online today.

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Leg Pain Q & A

What causes leg pain?

Leg pain can stem from a variety of causes. You might have pulled a muscle in your leg. You might have a varicose vein or Achilles tendonitis. Some causes of leg pain will resolve on their own, but others are signs of diseases that require medical intervention. 

One of those troublesome varieties of leg pain is peripheral artery disease (PAD). Leg pain is the most common symptom of this disease. PAD is specifically marked by claudication, or pain when you walk around. If you notice any of the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to American Vascular Specialists:

  • Cramping anywhere along your leg (including your hip) after you walk or climb stairs
  • Leg weakness
  • Leg numbness
  • Slow-healing sores on your legs or feet
  • Leg skin that appears shiny
  • Coldness in the lower part of your legs or your feet
  • Hair loss on your legs or feet
  • Slower toenail growth or leg hair growth

All of these symptoms are signs of peripheral artery disease.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Your arteries are the key pathways your body uses to circulate freshly oxygenated blood from your heart to your bodily tissues. Any restriction in these passageways can cause problems for your body. Specifically, when blood can’t freely flow through your arteries to your limbs, you’re diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. 

That lack of blood flow can cause any of the symptoms mentioned above, but leg pain is the most common and debilitating symptom of peripheral artery disease. Fortunately, if you’re experiencing leg pain or any of the other symptoms of PAD, the vascular health experts at American Vascular Specialists help you find an effective treatment for improved blood flow to your limbs. 

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

The team at American Vascular Specialists works with you to find the right treatment to improve blood flow. Not only does this alleviate your symptoms, but it lowers your risk of stroke and heart attack. 

Lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking and adjusting your diet and exercise habits can be quite effective in treating PAD. Regular exercise helps your body use oxygen more efficiently, which can make a dramatic difference in your PAD symptoms. 

Additionally, American Vascular Specialists offers medication and procedures to create more space in your arteries for blood to flow normally. They talk with you about your options to help you find the right PAD treatment. 

Leg pain doesn’t have to be a normal part of your life. Call American Vascular Specialists, or schedule your appointment online today.