Partner With Our Central Maryland Podiatrists for Top-Notch Peripheral Artery Disease Prevention and Treatment

Peripheral Artery Disease Causes and Risk Factors

Peripheral artery disease is often caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque that causes the arteries to harden and narrow in a process called atherosclerosis. However, PAD can also occur as the result of a traumatic injury, changes in the muscles or ligaments, or inflammation of the affected blood vessels. Risk factors associated with PAD development include:

Family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke

Smoking or using tobacco products

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Sedentary lifestyle

Diabetes

Obesity

High homocysteine (an amino acid) levels

Age (people 65 and older face increased risk for PAD)

African Americans and Hispanics also have an increased risk for PAD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Potential PAD Complications

Atherosclerosis-related PAD puts patients at risk for developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to critical limb ischemia, a condition that causes tissue to die due to an injury or infection and may necessitate amputation.

Peripheral Artery Disease Signs and Symptoms

Peripheral artery disease doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, leg pain or cramping that occurs while walking, but eases with rest—a condition called claudication—is most common. The pain can range from mild to severe and is often felt in the calf. Severe claudication can make standing, walking, and other daily activities difficult.

PAD can also cause other physical signs in the legs and feet, including:

Cold skin, especially compared to the leg or foot on the other side

Weak or absent pulse

Shiny skin or changes in skin color

Slowed toenail growth

Decreased hair growth or hair loss

Slow- or non-healing sores

Why and When to See a Central Maryland Podiatrist for PAD

Podiatrists are specially trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the lower extremities, including peripheral artery disease. Regular visits with a skilled podiatrist can provide the monitoring necessary for essential early intervention.

Establishing a doctor-patient relationship with an experienced podiatric specialist is particularly important for people with diabetes or other health conditions that increase the risk of PAD.

Regardless, don’t ignore persistent leg pain that interrupts the daily routine or makes it difficult to participate in your favorite activities. See a podiatrist.

Peripheral Artery Disease Testing and Treatment

Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center and Chesapeake Amputation Prevention Center offer Doppler ultrasound testing for PAD at our clinics. This painless and non-invasive diagnostic method provides vital information about the blood flow in the lower extremities, allowing us to identify blocked or narrowed arteries.

PAD treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical procedures for severe cases. Treatment recommendations may include:

Following a supervised exercise program
Eating a diet low in saturated fat
Controlling blood sugar levels
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products
Taking prescription antiplatelet medicines or statins to help prevent complications and lower cholesterol levels

When surgical intervention is necessary, there are a variety of procedures we can use to treat atherosclerosis, and bypass blocked arteries.

Prioritizing PAD Prevention and Early Intervention

At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center and Chesapeake Amputation Prevention Center, our experts provide exceptional care to help patients at risk for—or suffering from—peripheral artery disease maintain mobility and avoid limb loss. Partner with us to take control of your podiatric health. Our dedicated team is here for you every step of the way.

Looking for a Peripheral Arterial Disease Specialist in Annapolis or Stevensville, Maryland?

Our Annapolis podiatrists are experts in Peripheral Arterial Disease. Our podiatrists will work with you to find the best treatment option for you.

Whether you see us in our office in Annapolis or Stevensville you will have access to our full range of state-of-the-art treatments and therapies. We service all of Central Maryland and look forward to helping you. Contact us online or call us directly at 410.266.7666 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists.