What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when the blood vessels in your legs or arms become narrowed or blocked. This reduces blood flow, often leading to pain, cramping, and fatigue during physical activity. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious complications.

How Does Peripheral Arterial Disease Affect You?

PAD reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your legs and feet. This can cause symptoms like:

  • Leg pain or cramps, especially when walking
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs
  • Cold or pale feet
  • Slow-healing sores on the legs or feet

In severe cases, untreated PAD can lead to more serious complications, including infection or tissue loss.

Minimally Invasive Treatments for PAD

At Biltmore Cardiology, we offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments to manage and treat peripheral arterial disease:

  • Angioplasty: A small balloon is inflated inside the narrowed artery to open up the blood flow.
  • Stenting: A small mesh tube is inserted into the artery to keep it open and improve circulation.
  • Atherectomy: A procedure that removes plaque from the artery to restore normal blood flow.
  • Endovenous Laser Therapy: In some cases, laser therapy is used to treat narrowed veins that contribute to PAD.

These treatments are designed to provide relief with minimal downtime and quick recovery, helping you return to your daily activities.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek treatment for peripheral arterial disease:

  • Persistent pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs
  • Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
  • Numbness or tingling in the feet or legs
  • Poor wound healing on the feet or legs

Addressing PAD early can prevent more serious complications and improve your overall quality of life.

What to Expect During Peripheral Arterial Intervention

  • The procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting
  • Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and a small catheter is inserted into the artery
  • The procedure is minimally invasive, with small incisions and minimal discomfort
  • Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days

Your doctor will walk you through the process, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout the treatment.

Benefits of Peripheral Arterial Intervention

  • Restores proper blood flow to your legs and feet
  • Reduces symptoms such as pain and cramping
  • Minimizes the risk of more serious complications
  • Quick recovery with little downtime

These procedures provide significant relief and allow you to improve mobility and quality of life.

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