PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a chronic circulatory condition, which if left untreated can result in unnecessary limb amputations. PAD affects approximately 18 million US citizens, and 160,000 to 180,000 of those patients are estimated to undergo limb amputation this year.

Blockages can restrict blood flow to the muscles, causing muscle cramps, tightness or weakness, especially during activity. In the early stages of PAD, patients may not experience any symptoms. If PAD is not treated, though, blockages may continue to grow and restrict, or even completely block, blood flow. Symptoms include:

• Leg pain when walking
• Muscle pain or cramping in legs triggered by activity
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Coldness on lower leg or foot
• Sores on toes, legs or feet that won’t heal
• Change in color of legs

KNOW YOUR RISKS FOR PAD: (questionnaire form)

• Are you 50 years or older?
• Are you a smoker?
• Do you have family members with the disease?
• Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure?
• Do you have kidney disease?

If you are answered YES to any of these questions, you may be at risk.

To learn more about Peripheral Arterial Disease/Supervised Exercise Therapy at DCH, call: 812-254-8895