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Peripheral Arterial Disease services offered in throughout SE Michigan
If you have coldness, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, it could be because of peripheral artery disease (PAD). At Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, in Livonia, Michigan, the experienced specialists diagnose and treat PAD to offer symptom relief and reduce your risk of dangerous complications. Call the Detroit metropolitan area office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Q & A
What is peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), or peripheral arterial disease, is a condition that occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your legs or arms. It might cause leg pain when walking or other troublesome symptoms. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can treat PAD and reduce your risk of complications.
What are the symptoms of PAD?
The common symptoms of PAD include:
- Leg pain with walking
- Cramping in your legs or arms during exercise
- Coldness in your lower leg or foot
- Weak or no pulse in your feet or legs
- Leg weakness or numbness
- Edema
- Painful cramping after exercise
- Skin color changes in your legs
- Shiny skin on the legs
- Non-healing sores on your legs, feet, or toes
- Slowed toenail growth
- Discomfort when using your arms
- Slowed hair growth or hair loss on your legs
Your symptoms might be mild or severe. The discomfort could get worse when lying down or during rest. See the Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC experts at the first sign of a problem.
Possible complications associated with untreated PAD include a heart attack, stroke, or death of affected tissues.
What are the risk factors for PAD?
The most common causes and risk factors for developing PAD include:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Radiation exposure
- Muscle or ligament changes
- Arm or leg injuries
- Blood vessel inflammation
- Family history of PAD
- High homocysteine levels
- Being over 65
- Excess body weight
The best way to reduce your chances of having PAD is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, and maintain an ideal body weight. Control your blood sugar, avoid smoking, and properly manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
How does my provider diagnose peripheral artery disease?
To diagnose PAD and properly manage it, your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits.
They check your blood pressure and other vital signs, complete a physical exam, and order diagnostic testing. Examples include blood tests, ankle-brachial index (ABI) blood pressure analysis, ultrasound, and other imaging procedures.
How is peripheral artery disease treated?
To treat PAD, your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC specialist may recommend:
Lifestyle changes
Eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, keep stress levels low, and avoid certain medications. Reduce animal fats in your diet, don’t smoke, and take good care of your feet.
Medications
Taking medicines helps you properly manage PAD and reduce the risk of PAD-related complications.
Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is the best way to treat PAD and keep you healthy. Your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC provider might suggest angioplasty with stent placement, bypass surgery, or another minor procedure.
To find out if you have peripheral artery disease or get treatment for it, call the Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC office, or use the online scheduler today.