What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a common disease that restricts the blood supply to leg muscles due to the build-up of fatty substances in the arteries.
What Are The Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Many people do not experience any symptoms. However, some may develop intermittent claudication – painful ache in the legs when walking and disappearing after resting. Other symptoms can include:
- Hair loss on legs and feet
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Slow-growing or brittle nails
- Not healing ulcers on feet and legs
- Change in skin color (turning pale or blue) on legs/shiny skin
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Shrinking/wasting of leg muscles
How Can You Get Your Peripheral Arterial Disease Tested?
Symptoms of PAD usually develop gradually over time. In case your symptoms develop quickly or worsen suddenly, immediate treatment would be required. PAD can be diagnosed through physical examinations at Springfield Medical Clinic by comparing the blood pressure in your arm and ankle. Our specialists will run the necessary tests and advice on the required treatments.
