Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment in Springfield Ohio: Restoring Circulation, Preventing Risk

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs. At Springfield Medical Clinic, we provide comprehensive peripheral artery disease treatment aimed at improving blood circulation, relieving symptoms, and reducing cardiovascular risk. With advanced diagnostics and vascular care, we help patients walk more comfortably and avoid complications.

What Causes PAD?

PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) in the artery walls. This buildup restricts blood flow, especially to the legs. Contributing factors include:

• Smoking (the leading cause)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

Other causes may include arterial inflammation, injury to blood vessels, or unusual anatomy of the muscles or ligaments compressing the arteries.

Symptoms of Poor Leg Circulation

PAD symptoms often develop slowly and may be mistaken for signs of aging. Common symptoms include:

• Leg pain while walking (claudication) that improves with rest
• Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
• Coldness in the lower leg or foot
• Sores or wounds on the legs or feet that heal slowly
• Discoloration or shiny skin on the legs
• Weak or absent pulse in the feet

These symptoms indicate poor blood flow and require prompt evaluation to avoid worsening complications.

Risk Factors to Consider

PAD shares many of the same risk factors as heart disease. Those at greatest risk include:

• Smokers and former smokers
• People over age 50
• Individuals with diabetes or high cholesterol
• Patients with high blood pressure
• People with a family history of cardiovascular disease
• Individuals with obesity or a sedentary lifestyle

The presence of multiple risk factors increases the urgency for early screening and treatment.

How PAD Is Diagnosed

Early diagnosis helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and limb complications. At Springfield Medical Clinic, we use multiple methods to evaluate circulation:

• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm
• Doppler ultrasound visualizes blood flow through arteries
• Segmental blood pressure measurements assess circulation in different areas
• Angiography or CT scans for detailed artery mapping when needed

Our PAD specialist uses these tests to determine the severity and guide the next steps in care.

Vascular Care and Treatment Options

PAD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, halting progression, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. We offer a full spectrum of care:

Lifestyle Interventions

The first step in managing PAD is improving daily habits. Our care team supports patients with:

• Smoking cessation programs
• Customized exercise plans (such as supervised walking therapy)
• Nutritional counseling for heart-healthy eating
• Weight management strategies

These changes improve circulation and overall vascular health.

Medication Therapy

To improve blood flow and reduce risks, we may prescribe:

• Antiplatelet agents (aspirin or clopidogrel)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)
• Blood pressure medications
• Medications to improve walking distance and relieve claudication

Your progress is regularly monitored to ensure treatment is effective and safe.

Advanced Vascular Procedures

In more advanced cases, we coordinate care with vascular surgeons for procedures such as:

• Angioplasty to open narrowed arteries
• Stenting to keep arteries open
• Bypass surgery to reroute blood around blockages

These interventions are used when conservative approaches are no longer effective.