Lower Extremity Arterial Disease

What is lower extremity arterial disease?

Lower extremity arterial disease is a form of peripheral artery disease that occurs in your legs. It develops when plaque, a sticky substance composed of cholesterol and other materials in your bloodstream, builds up in a leg artery and inhibits the flow of your blood. 

Plaque blockage of your arteries is called atherosclerosis and worsens with tobacco use, a high fat diet, and other lifestyle factors. Lower extremity arterial disease is specifically linked to obesity and smoking, and diabetic patients are at an especially high risk. Without treatment for lower extremity arterial disease, the tissues in your legs can die, and you may eventually require amputation.

What are some common signs and symptoms of lower extremity arterial disease?

To avoid needing a leg amputation as the result of your lower extremity arterial disease, you should become familiar with the common signs and symptoms. Reporting these signs and symptoms to the team at Vascular Institute of New York early can preserve your ability to walk comfortably. Common signs and symptoms are:

• Leg pain after walking
• Sores on your lower legs or feet that don’t heal
• Dry, shiny, or cracked skin on your legs
• Coldness in your legs or feet

If a leg sore goes without treatment and becomes infected, it can develop gangrene. Gangrenous wounds often emit a repugnant smell, have discolored skin around them, and ooze green or yellow pus. If you notice that a leg wound has become gangrenous, you may need aggressive treatment like surgery or medication to avoid amputation.

How is lower extremity arterial disease treated?

Like the treatments of many other diseases that affect your blood vessels, treatment for lower extremity arterial disease focuses on reducing your symptoms and preventing disease progression. You may need to make some major lifestyle changes to prevent new plaque from building up in your arteries and reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. At the Vascular Institute of New York, your treatment plan might include:

Medications

There are many available medications that aid in preserving your blood flow and reducing symptoms of lower extremity arterial disease including blood pressure medications and cholesterol-lowering medications.

Lifestyle adjustments

Lifestyle changes are key to successful lower extremity arterial disease management. First and foremost, you’ll need to quit smoking if you’re a smoker. The team might also give you advice on ways to improve your diet and start exercising more frequently.

Surgery

Surgery may be a necessary part of your treatment to clear your arteries and promote better blood flow.

If you’re concerned about the pain you feel after walking or if you notice sores on your legs, call Vascular Institute of New York for a lower extremity arterial disease evaluation or book an appointment online today.