If you’re experiencing leg pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower legs or feet, you may have peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common circulation problem. If you have been diagnosed with PAD, Vascular Access Center of West Orange and Piscataway can provide treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures. Call today for an evaluation and treatment plan at the West Orange or Piscataway, New Jersey centers.
PAD is a common circulation problem in which the arteries that carry blood to the legs or arms become narrowed or clogged, interfering with the normal flow of blood.
Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, is the most common cause of PAD. Atherosclerosis develops when blood cholesterol and scar tissue build up forming a substance called plaque that clogs your blood vessels.
A blood clot that gets lodged in the arteries and restricts blood flow may also cause PAD.
When left untreated, the lack of blood flow can lead to tissue death and eventually amputation of your limb.
PAD is a silent disease, and you may not show any signs. However, some common signs and symptoms of PAD include:
You may be at a higher risk of developing PAD if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Smoking and a family history also increase your risk, along with carrying excess weight.
If you have questions or think you might be at risk, you should see your primary care physician to evaluate your health. If you are diagnosed with PAD, your physician may recommend treatment with our team at Vascular Access Center of West Orange.
You have many treatment options to help improve your PAD. The Vascular Access Center of West Orange team may first recommend modifications to your lifestyle to improve blood flow, including smoking cessation and a structured exercise program.
If conservative methods fail to improve your PAD, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive treatments.
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for PAD. The vascular specialist threads a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin to the blocked artery in the legs, then inflates a balloon to open the blood vessel and improve flow.
With stenting, the vascular specialist places a thin wire mesh tube, referred to as a stent, into the affected artery to keep it open. Stenting may be used in conjunction with angioplasty.
Atherectomy is the process of debulking vessel plaque to correct the narrowing within the vessel lumen. You may have atherectomy following angioplasty whether a stent is placed or not.
For treatment of PAD, call today or book an appointment online.
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