ARTICLES / General /
Fighting Your Legs /
Other ArticlesBy
Dr.
Gary M. Ansel
Knowing the Difference
For senior citizens, it’s not out of the ordinary
to have some leg pain after a long and vigorous
walk. However, when pain and cramping exist after
short walks or mild activity, it could be an
indication that there are blockages within the
peripheral arteries.
Early detection of PAD is essential to
maintaining a high quality of life for those
afflicted with PAD. Below is a list of warning signs
and symptoms that should be monitored closely:
Fatigue or cramping in the leg muscles
(known as claudication) when walking
Pain in the legs, buttocks and/or feet that
disturbs sleep
Wounds on toes, feet or legs that heal
slowly, poorly, or not at all
Color changes in the skin of the feet
(paleness or blueness)
A lower temperature in one leg when compared
to the other leg
Poor nail growth and decreased hair growth
on toes and legs
Seeing Your Doctor
Two of the most common methods used to test patients
for PAD are the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the
Doppler ultrasound test. The ABI is a noninvasive,
painless, and reliable test that works by comparing
blood pressure in the ankles and arms. An ABI test
is useful in determining if someone has PAD, but
cannot locate the blocked artery. The Doppler test,
which is also noninvasive, manipulates sound waves
to evaluate blood flow in lower extremities, often
locating the blockage.
Getting Treated
Treatment for mild PAD is largely behavioral, as the
condition can be mitigated with a regimen of
walking, a low cholesterol diet for diabetics,
cessation of smoking and, in some cases, medication.
For severe PAD, however, treatment may require an
invasive bypass surgery or angioplasty.
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