Why does my lower leg hurt? Here are 4 things to know about peripheral artery disease
If you experience pain in your lower legs, there may be an underlying medical condition causing it. One such condition is peripheral artery disease (PAD), a circulatory disorder that affects the arteries in your legs. Here are four things to know about PAD and how it can cause lower leg pain.
- What is PAD?
PAD is a condition where the arteries in your legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to your legs. This can cause pain, cramping, and aching in the legs and feet. PAD is typically caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, reducing the flow of blood. - Who is at risk?
PAD is more common in people over the age of 50, particularly if they have other risk factors like smoking or diabetes. It can also be caused by a family history of the disorder. - What are the symptoms?
In addition to pain and cramping in the lower legs, PAD can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs. Other symptoms include a change in color in the feet or legs, decreased hair growth on the legs, and slow-healing sores or wounds. - How is PAD treated?
Treatment for PAD typically involves lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly. Medications may also be prescribed to help reduce the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to open up blocked arteries.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your pain and provide the best treatment plan for you.
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a condition that occurs when the arteries become hardened and narrowed due to a buildup of plaque. It is a major cause of heart attack and stroke and is the leading cause of death in the United States.
The buildup of plaque is caused by cholesterol, fat and other substances that accumulate on the walls of your arteries. Over time, these substances harden and form a substance called atherosclerotic plaque. This plaque narrows the arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow. As the condition progresses, it can lead to blockages in the arteries, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis is most common in people over the age of 55, but it can occur at any age. Risk factors for the condition include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle.
Treatment of atherosclerosis focuses on controlling the risk factors that can contribute to the condition. This may include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and managing any medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Medications, such as statins and anti-platelet medications, may also be prescribed to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Atherosclerosis is a serious condition that can lead to dangerous complications, such as heart attack and stroke. Taking steps to reduce your risk factors can help reduce your risk of developing the condition and help manage it if you already have it.
What is intermittent claudication?
Intermittent claudication is a condition that affects circulation in the legs and feet. It is characterized by pain, cramping, and fatigue in the legs and feet during physical activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Intermittent claudication is caused by narrowed or blocked arteries, which limits the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can reach the muscles in the legs and feet.
The pain and cramping associated with intermittent claudication usually occurs in the calves, thighs, and buttocks. The pain usually occurs after a person has been walking or exercising for a few minutes and is relieved when he or she stops and rests. The pain may also become worse when walking uphill or climbing stairs.
Intermittent claudication is usually a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is a condition that is caused by a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply the legs and feet with oxygen-rich blood. It is often caused by a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Treatment for intermittent claudication includes lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Medications may also be prescribed to help control risk factors for PAD, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to open blocked arteries.
Intermittent claudication can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, but with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications, it can be managed. It is important for those with intermittent claudication to get regular check-ups with their doctor to monitor their condition and to make sure it does not progress to a more serious condition.
What is the ankle/brachial index, or ABI?
The ankle/brachial index, or ABI, is a diagnostic tool used to measure the blood pressure in the legs compared to that of the arms. The ABI is an important indicator of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
The ABI is determined by taking two blood pressure readings, one in the ankle and one in the arm. The two readings are then compared to each other in order to determine the ratio between the two. A normal ABI is between 0.90 and 1.30. A higher ABI means that the blood pressure in the legs is higher than in the arms, while a lower ABI indicates that the blood pressure in the legs is lower than in the arms.
The ABI is often used in conjunction with other tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, in order to diagnose PAD. If the ABI is lower than normal, it may indicate the presence of PAD. If the ABI is higher than normal, it may mean that there is an arterial blockage in the legs.
The ABI is an important diagnostic tool for diagnosing PAD and monitoring its progression. It is also useful for determining the severity of the condition and for assessing the effectiveness of treatments. By monitoring the ABI over time, doctors can keep track of the progression of PAD and adjust treatments accordingly.
If you have any symptoms of PAD, such as pain, numbness, or fatigue in the legs, you should talk to your doctor about having an ABI test to determine if you have PAD. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the chances of successful treatment.
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