Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Columbus-Polaris – Peripheral Artery Disease Near Me

The most common symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the lower extremities include cramping, pain, or fatigue in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. These symptoms typically improve with rest and return once you start moving again. If you’re searching for peripheral artery disease near me, these are early warning signs that should not be ignored.

• Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for another health issue
• PAD often goes undiagnosed by doctors
• People with PAD have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.
• Left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation.

The good news for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Columbus – Polaris patients

• PAD is easily diagnosed painlessly.
• You can take control by leading a heart-healthy lifestyle
• Some cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

While many people with peripheral artery disease have mild or no symptoms, some people have leg pain when walking, which is referred to as claudication.

Claudication severity can range from mild discomfort to intense, activity-limiting pain. Symptoms typically include muscle cramping or aching in the legs or arms during physical activity—such as walking—that resolves after a few minutes of rest. The pain’s location depends on which artery is narrowed or blocked, with calf pain being the most common. If you’re searching for peripheral artery disease near me, claudication is a key warning sign that should be evaluated promptly.

Peripheral artery disease symptoms include:

• Painful cramping in your hip, thigh, or calf muscles after certain activities (for example, walking or climbing stairs)
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Coldness in one of your lower legs or foot, but not the other
• Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
• A change in the color of your legs
• Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
• Slower growth of your toenails
• Shiny skin on your legs
• No pulse or a weak pulse in your legs or feet
• Erectile dysfunction in men

As peripheral artery disease worsens, pain can begin to occur even when you’re at rest. This discomfort may grow intense enough to disrupt sleep and often signals a severe reduction in blood flow. If you’re searching for peripheral artery disease near me, symptoms like these require prompt vascular evaluation.

When to see a doctor

Even if you don’t have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, you may need to be seen if you are:

• Over age 70
• Over age 50 and have a history of diabetes or smoking
• Under age 50, but have diabetes and other peripheral artery disease risk factors, such as obesity or high blood pressure

If you have leg pain, numbness, or other symptoms, don’t dismiss them as a regular part of aging. Call us and make an appointment.  The first step starts with good screening.