Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
What is claudication?
Claudication causes pain most commonly in the legs. It is caused by insufficient blood flow. Claudication often indicates peripheral artery disease and is a symptom of narrowing or blocked arteries.
Symptoms
Pain, a burning feeling, or a tired feeling in the legs and buttocks when you walk. Shiny, hairless, blotchy foot skin that may get sores, and it causes numerous lifestyle and activity limitations.
Claudication causes pain when walking or exercising. The pain typically subsides once the person is sitting down or resting again. If you notice that your calf hurts when you walk, you should make an appointment with a vascular surgeon immediately.
Claudication Treatment
Getting a proper diagnosis through a physical examination and imaging is critical. In some cases, diet and exercise might help open the arteries, but more often than not, PAD (peripheral arterial disease) is the cause of claudication. Once treated, patients can return to normal activities doing what they enjoy and love, such as walking, bicycling, golfing, etc.
More on PAD
Individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have blood flow disruptions, usually in the feet and legs, but it can also occur in the brain, arms, and heart. When the blood vessels are narrowed or damaged, the blood flow becomes obstructed, and other complications can coincide. PAD can lead to severe medical conditions. Currently, 8.5 million Americans have peripheral artery disease.
Symptoms of PAD
Claudication (Pain after walking or exercising in calf, hips or thighs)
A change in the color of your skin on feet or legs
Erectile dysfunction (males)
Hair loss or diminished hair growth on feet and legs
Impeded toenail growth
Leg numbness or weakness
Leg or foot feels cold compared to opposing limb
No pulse or a weak pulse in your legs or feet
Non-Healing ulcers on feet or legs
Shiny or thickened skin on your legs
A Healthy Diet and Exercise is Essential
Maintaining a healthy diet is critical to keeping your lipid levels in proper balance, coordinately it will assist in supporting the vascular structures through nutrient and antioxidant-dense foods. Typically, vascular surgeons and cardiologists recommend a low-fat diet full of healthy fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Preventing atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries due to plaque build-up can be achieved through medications as well. However, if the blockage from PAD is severe and life-threatening, a medical procedure will be necessary to open and repair the artery to allow blood to flow normally again.
PAD Treatment
• Peripheral Vascular Stent
• Angioplasty
• Bypass Grafting
• Worst-Case May Require Amputation
PAD must be treated to prevent further damage to your circulatory system and your overall health. If you or someone you know is experiencing any venous or arterial issues, please contact your physician immediately.
If you or a loved one has any of the venous symptoms or risk factors discussed above, you must seek medical attention immediately. Making an appointment with a vascular surgeon specializing in venous disease is critical.
Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons
The Vascular and Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons is one of the first and most respected vein clinics in Southwest Florida. Their surgeons, Dr. Abraham Sadighi, Dr. Michael Novotney, Dr. Johan Escribano, and Dr. Matthew Sanders have performed thousands of vascular and vein surgeries over the past 28 years.
They focus on diseases of the vascular system that can range from harmless but unattractive spider veins to dangerous conditions such as peripheral artery disease. Their caring and dedicated team will help you identify problems and offer the best treatment options for you.
The Vascular and Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons offer a fully equipped vascular lab and state-of-the-art Angio suite to provide a higher level of service and care for their patients. You’ll find comfort in knowing that they have a long-standing reputation for positive surgical outcomes that allow you to get back to healthy living.
Call Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons today at (239) 344-7061.
