Don’t Let PAD Go Untreated: Discover a Specialist Near You

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Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition that involves a blockage in the arteries. While it most commonly affects the arteries in the legs, PAD sometimes occurs in other parts of the body as well.

Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include:

Pain during physical activity
Muscle atrophy
Hair loss
Numbness in the feet
Ulcers
Cold legs or feet

PAD happens when too much plaque builds up in a person’s arteries. People who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or who smoke regularly face a higher risk of PAD. Cases are most common in people over the age of 60.

If you suspect you have PAD, you should seek help from a specialist right away. People who wait too long to get treatment for PAD can face serious health risks such as heart attacks and strokes. Many patients explain their symptoms as poor circulation in their legs and feet.

The Role of a PAD Specialist

While general practitioners can diagnose and even treat peripheral artery disease, it is better to see a specialist for this condition. General practitioners usually only have basic knowledge of PAD. As a result, they may not have the skills to provide the treatment you need.

PAD specialists receive special training that allows them to diagnose this condition early and provide the best possible treatment option. Everyone with PAD is different, and a specialist will understand how to choose a treatment plan with your unique needs in mind.

So if a PAD specialist is available in your area, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with them.

How To Find a PAD Specialist Near You

Depending on where you live, finding a PAD specialist might be difficult.

Here are a few ways to search for a specialist in your area:

Ask your primary care practitioner for a referral. Overall, this is the easiest and most effective way to find PAD specialists in your area.
Browse online directories. You can customize your search to find PAD specialists in your city or even in neighboring areas.
Contact the hospitals and clinics in your area. Even if they don’t have any specialists on site, they might be able to refer you to an option nearby.

No matter where you live, there is likely a PAD specialist out there that will work for you. While searching for doctors can often be frustrating, seeing a specialist for this condition will be worth the effort. Additionally, some specialists provide remote appointments, so even if there are no physical PAD specialist hospitals in your area, you can still receive the treatment you need.

Questions to Ask a PAD Specialist

Asking questions can help you get a better understanding of peripheral artery disease and its treatment.

Here are a few questions to consider asking your PAD specialist:

What are my treatment options?
What lifestyle changes can I make to manage my PAD?
What are the success rates of my treatment?
Are there any potential side effects of my prescribed medication?
How severe is my condition?
How will my PAD affect my life in the future?

You may want to write questions down before your appointment to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Do not worry about asking too many questions—a trustworthy specialist should be willing to help you understand your PAD.

Treatment Options for PAD

Many treatment options are available for people with PAD. The best treatment for you will vary depending on the severity of your condition, your unique needs, and your personal preferences. Some people will only need one form of treatment, while others might need several options.

The three main categories of treatment for PAD are lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical interventions.

Lifestyle Changes

Your specialist may suggest a few of these lifestyle changes on their own or alongside another treatment option.

One common lifestyle change for PAD is a diet low in cholesterol. Because the cause of this condition lies in a buildup of fatty tissue in the arteries, lowering your cholesterol intake can manage this issue over time.

Regular exercise can help treat PAD, too. While PAD often makes exercising painful, guidance from a physical therapist can help you exercise with minimal discomfort.

Eliminating smoking is another key lifestyle change that can treat PAD. Smoking is a major cause of PAD in many people, so ceasing this habit can potentially make a big difference.

As with any treatment, you should consult your doctor for advice before making any significant life changes to treat PAD.

Medication

Many medications can treat or manage PAD. Your specialist will likely prescribe one or more of the following options:

Blood thinners
Antihypertensives
Statins

Each medication serves a unique purpose. Blood thinners reduce one’s risk of blood clots, antihypertensives regulate blood pressure, and statins manage LDL cholesterol levels.

Some specialists will also prescribe pain-relieving medications to treat the symptoms of PAD. Naftidrofuryl oxalate is a common option for people with PAD.

These medications may cause side effects in some people, but fortunately, they are somewhat uncommon. If your side effects are severe, contact your specialist; they will help you find a better treatment option.

Surgical Interventions

In severe cases of peripheral artery disease, surgical intervention might be necessary. Angioplasties, atherectomies, and bypass surgeries are the three types of procedures for PAD.

Angioplasty

An angioplasty is a minor procedure that involves placing a catheter in the artery. The catheter opens up the artery to reduce the risk of blockage.

Atherectomy

Atherectomies involve the removal of buildup from the affected arteries. Some surgeons will perform this procedure alongside an angioplasty.

Bypass Surgery

Rarely, a doctor might need to perform a bypass surgery for PAD. This surgery involves attaching a tube to the artery to create a separate pathway beside the blockage.

Conclusion

Peripheral artery disease affects many people. If untreated, it can have serious consequences for your health. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can provide a better prognosis.

If you have symptoms of PAD, your best option is to schedule an appointment with a specialist. A doctor who specializes in this area can provide the best treatment possible.