Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease
This condition is also known as peripheral arterial disease and is characterized by narrowing of arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs. This result in the reduced supply of blood to the leg leading to claudication.
Symptoms
- Pain in the leg during walking known as claudication
- Muscle pain
- Cramps in the legs
- Numbness of leg
- Lower Leg become cold as compared to other side
- Sores in the toes, legs which don’t heal
- Slower hair growth in legs
- Shiny skin of leg
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- No or weak pulse in leg
Causes
Mostly this condition is caused by atherosclerosis. However it can be caused by blood vessels inflammation, injury to limbs, unusual anatomy of ligaments and muscles or radiation exposure. In atherosclerosis, fatty deposits on the wall of artery build up and reduce the blood flow.
Complications
- Critical limb ischemia
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
- Ultrasound
- Angiography
- Blood tests
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Medications like Cholesterol-lowering medications, anti-hypertension, medications for controlling blood sugar
- Medications to relieve symptoms
- Angioplasty
- Surgery
- Bypass surgery
Home Remedies
- Quit smoking
- Be active and exercise regularly
- Take care of foot
- Eat healthy organic food