Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome
Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome
It is defined as the compression of popliteal artery by the enlarged calf muscle. Popliteal artery present behind the knee. The compression cause hurdle in the blood flow to the leg and foot.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include:
- Numbness in the calf
- Lower leg cramping
- Swelling in the calf area
- Cold feet
- Burning and tingling sensation in calf
- Blood clot
- Color changes in calf area
Causes
This condition occurs due to the abnormal enlargement of the calf muscle most commonly the gastrocnemius muscle. Some people have congenitally enlarged calf muscles.
Complications
If left untreated it may cause the stenosis (narrowing) of popliteal artery which cause severe pain and cramping in leg.
Diagnosis
After taking medical history and conducting a physical examination your doctor might recommend a following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Magnetic resonance angiography to check the extent of stenosis in artery.
- Ankle brachial index measurement
- Duplex ultrasound of the calf to check the flow of blood.
Treatment
The only way to reduce the signs and symptoms and cure this disease is the surgery of abnormal calf muscle and to free the trapped artery.