Regain Your Stride! Understanding and Treating Peripheral Artery Disease

If you experience leg pain when walking, cramping that slows you down, or wounds on your feet that will not heal, it may be more than just aging or overuse. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulation condition that affects millions of Americans, and early treatment can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life.

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries that carry blood to your legs. As these arteries narrow, blood flow decreases. Over time, this can lead to symptoms such as leg pain or cramping when walking, numbness or weakness in the legs or feet, slow-healing sores on the legs or toes, and coolness or color changes in the lower legs or feet.

Without treatment, PAD can progress and increase the risk of serious complications, including infection or tissue damage. The earlier it is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be managed.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

The good news is that many PAD treatments today do not require open surgery. At RIA Endovascular, our interventional radiologists use advanced, image-guided procedures performed through a small catheter inserted into the artery. These treatments are done in an outpatient setting, and most patients return home the same day.

Common treatment options include angioplasty and stenting, in which a small balloon gently widens the artery and a stent may be placed to help keep it open, as well as atherectomy, which uses a specialized device to remove plaque buildup from the artery walls and restore healthier blood flow.

Because these procedures are minimally invasive, patients typically experience less discomfort, shorter recovery times, and a faster return to daily activities.

Personalized, Patient-Focused Care

Every patient’s vascular health is unique. A thorough evaluation helps determine the best treatment approach based on your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. Education is also an important part of care. Managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking can help protect your long-term circulation and reduce the risk of future complications.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Circulation

Leg pain and non-healing wounds are not symptoms you should simply live with. If you are noticing changes in your legs or feet, seeking evaluation early can help prevent complications and restore your ability to move comfortably.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options and take the first step toward healthier circulation and a more active life.