Peripheral Arterial Disease TreatmentOrange, CA

Signs and Symptoms of PAD

Some people with PAD do not experience symptoms until they have a symptom-triggered event like a heart attack or stroke. PAD symptoms are similar to other conditions, such as poor circulation and swollen legs. These symptoms include:

• Leg pain
• Leg ulcers
• Swollen limbs
• Brittle toenails
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Coldness in the legs
• Poor circulation in the legs
• Heavy sweating in either foot with no apparent cause
• Paresthesia (the feeling of electricity running down the legs)

Other symptoms may include bright red skin on the lower legs caused by the pooling of the blood in the patient’s feet when standing up after sitting for long periods. This can happen if there is reduced flow through an artery in one leg because it has become narrow due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, making them more narrow and harder for blood to flow through them properly.

What to expect during an appointment

When patients schedule an appointment at our center, they will immediately be paired with one of our vascular specialists. The specialist will evaluate the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical health during the first appointment. From there, the specialist may run one or more of the following tests:

• Blood test to check for underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) measures how well the arteries work by comparing the blood pressure of a patient’s ankle and arm
• Ultrasound of the legs and feet to identify any narrowing or blockages
• Angiography is the injection of a contrast dye into the arm or leg vein to help see small blood vessels on an X-ray when taking pictures of the arteries

After obtaining the patient’s test results, we will advise them on whether they have PAD or chronic limb-threatening ischemia (reduced blood supply to the limbs), the stage of the condition, and an effective treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover treatment?

This depends on your treatment plan and coverage. We invite you to call our office to discuss finance options. We can review the various insurance companies we accept and help guide patients on the path toward necessary treatment.

How do I know if I have PAD and not another condition?

PAD must be diagnosed by one of our vascular specialists. We will conduct a few tests during your appointment to confirm a diagnosis. Since some conditions have similar symptoms, seeking professional medical advice is crucial, and not trying to self-diagnose a condition at home. Afterward, we will then craft a treatment plan.

What if I need an amputation or am an amputee?

We are a high-volume center for the management of complex PAD and CLTI. Our center is involved in multiple prior and current clinical trials in the PAD space. Therefore, our highly skilled team of vascular specialists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and physician assistants are capable of providing you with the care needed for your condition.

How long can I wait to receive my procedure after learning of a PAD diagnosis?

Not too long. It is important to have a procedure before PAD causes potential permanent disabilities or even fatality. One of our vascular specialists will advise you on the condition’s stage, potential risks, and a treatment option time frame. If you experience any concerning symptoms, call us to schedule a consultation before the condition worsens.

How soon after can I resume my normal activities?

This depends on your unique case. We will consider the procedure you received, your medical history, the healing process, and more. We will advise you before leaving our center and when you return for a follow-up appointment.