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- What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
- How is Peripheral Arterial Disease Treated?
- What are the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease?
- Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
- What Are the Causes of Peripheral Arterial Disease?
- What Are the Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease?
- Peripheral Arterial Disease FAQ
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What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Have you ever experienced leg fatigue, calf pain, or numbness in your feet while engaging in everyday activities? These could be signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition where blood flow to your legs and feet is not as robust as it should be. This decrease in circulation often leads to discomfort that worsens with physical activity and eases during rest.
When PAD progresses, it can develop into chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI or CLI), the most severe form of this condition. CLTI occurs when blood flow to the legs and feet is significantly reduced, leading to persistent foot pain, even at rest, or wounds that don't heal properly. The pain is often more intense at night, disrupting sleep, and in severe cases, CLTI can result in the need for toe or foot amputations. It's a serious health issue, but there's hope. At Vascular and Embolization Specialists on Florida's Space Coast, Dr. Derek Mittleider specializes in nonsurgical methods to enhance leg and foot circulation. Dr. Mittleider offers successful treatments to many who were previously advised that surgery was their only option.
How is Peripheral Arterial Disease Treated?
At Vascular and Embolization Specialists, Dr. Mittleider performs minimally invasive, nonsurgical techniques that significantly enhance circulation to the legs and feet. These methods not only lead to immediate improvements in blood flow but also provide a swift and comfortable recovery. One such technique is the angiogram where a tiny tube is inserted through the skin into an artery. This procedure is guided by x-ray and ultrasound, requiring only a small bandage afterward, and completely bypasses the need for traditional surgical methods, like scalpel, stitches, or staples. The precision and minimally invasive nature of these techniques dramatically improve the quality of life for our patients with very little downtime.
The benefits of these treatments are noticeable almost immediately. During the angiogram, patients often experience a rapid alleviation of symptoms, such as the cessation of pain during walking or at rest. The recovery process is remarkably quick and low-risk compared to traditional surgery. Serious complications are rare, and most patients can be up and walking within 30 minutes post-procedure. There's no need for prolonged bed rest or recovery, as there's no large surgical wound to heal. Patients typically return to their normal activities within a few days.
What are the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease is characterized by a range of symptoms that primarily affect the legs and feet. Here are a few symptoms to look for:
- Leg pain or cramps during activities, like walking or climbing stairs
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side
- Sores on toes, feet, or legs that won't heal
- Change in the color of your legs
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
- Slower growth of your toenails
- Shiny skin on your legs
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
I couldn't be happier with the Doctor and the staff, everybody was very professional and caring I will definitely recommend Dr.Derek Mittleider, outstanding !
Friendliest staff and doctor!! Smooth from beginning to end. Clean facility. Recovery is going well. I have to go back for another procedure in December. This would not have been possible if they didn’t help me with my insurance.
Miracle worker! - I cannot express my gratitude enough for Dr. Mittleider! After being told by three different surgeons that amputation was the only option, being referred to a fourth whom refused to even see the patient because his case was 'too extensive', we were feeling completely hopeless. Dr. Mittleider took the time to listen and thoroughly assess the condition. He performed a miraculous procedure that not only saved the limb but also restored quality of life. His expertise, compassion, and dedication are unmatched. We are beyond thankful for his incredible work and highly recommend him to anyone in need of vascular care!
Dr. Mittleider and his staff are far better than 5 stars!!!! Thank you for taking such good care of me.
All the staff were so friendly and accommodating. It made this surgical experience completely uneventful. Thank you. Would recommend to anyone.
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What Are the Causes of Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. The primary cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits (plaques) build up on the artery walls, leading to reduced blood flow. However, several other factors contribute to the development of PAD. Smoking significantly increases the risk by damaging the blood vessels and promoting plaque formation. Diabetes is another major contributor, as high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels over time. High cholesterol and high blood pressure also play crucial roles by accelerating plaque buildup and causing arterial damage. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can exacerbate these conditions, increasing the likelihood of developing PAD. Understanding these causes is essential for the prevention and management of the disease, highlighting the importance of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions.
What Are the Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral arterial disease doesn’t develop out of nowhere — certain factors can raise your chances of experiencing this condition. Age is a significant factor, with risk increasing as you get older. A family history of PAD or heart disease can also elevate your risk. Gender and ethnicity play a role too, as men and African Americans are more likely to develop PAD. Additionally, lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise, along with obesity, can contribute to the likelihood of developing this condition.
Peripheral Arterial Disease FAQ
What are the potential complications of untreated peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
Untreated PAD can lead to severe complications, including critical limb ischemia, which is characterized by pain at rest, non-healing sores, and infections that can lead to tissue death. In extreme cases, this can necessitate limb amputation. Furthermore, PAD is a marker of systemic atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
How does physical activity benefit individuals with PAD?
Regular physical activity is highly beneficial for individuals with PAD. Exercise, especially walking, helps improve blood flow and reduces the symptoms of pain and cramping in the legs. Over time, physical activity can enhance overall cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and help manage other risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes. A supervised exercise program is often recommended for the best results.
What dietary changes are recommended for managing PAD?
Dietary changes are crucial in managing PAD and improving vascular health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help manage blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Reducing the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium is also essential. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, can help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function. Consulting with a nutritionist can help tailor a diet plan specific to your needs.
Restore Your Leg Health
At Vascular and Embolization Specialists on Florida's Space Coast, Dr. Derek Mittleider is ready to help you regain mobility. Our team uses the latest techniques to effectively diagnose and treat peripheral arterial disease. The minimally invasive angiogram procedure can be the first step toward a pain-free life. Contact us today to schedule your angiogram, and start your journey to better vascular health.