Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Care with Dr. Ross
Dr. Ross provides evaluation and treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition that occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Symptoms such as leg pain while walking, numbness, temperature changes, or wounds that are slow to heal may indicate a circulation problem that should be evaluated.
Care is tailored to your symptoms, vascular health, medical history, and individual risk factors.
Comprehensive Peripheral Artery Disease Care with Dr. Ross
Peripheral Artery Disease develops when plaque buildup causes the arteries supplying the legs and feet to become narrowed or blocked. Reduced circulation can cause discomfort during activity and, in more advanced cases, may contribute to pain at rest, skin changes, or wounds that have difficulty healing.
Dr. Ross begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and circulation. Diagnostic testing may be used to determine how well blood is reaching the legs and identify areas of narrowing or blockage. Depending on your condition, testing may include an ankle-brachial index (ABI), vascular ultrasound, or additional imaging.
Treatment is individualized according to the severity of the disease. For some patients, management may include appropriate exercise, tobacco cessation, management of blood pressure and cholesterol, and prescribed medications. When circulation is significantly reduced, minimally invasive or surgical procedures may be considered to restore blood flow.
If leg discomfort is limiting your activities or you are experiencing other symptoms of poor circulation, request an appointment with Dr. Ross for a vascular evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease, commonly called PAD, occurs when arteries outside the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. It most often affects the arteries supplying the legs and can reduce the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the muscles and tissues.
What are the common symptoms of PAD?
A common symptom is leg pain, aching, cramping, or fatigue that develops while walking and improves with rest. Other symptoms may include numbness, weakness, coldness in a foot or lower leg, changes in skin color, reduced hair growth, or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly.
How does Dr. Ross diagnose Peripheral Artery Disease?
Evaluation may include a physical examination and noninvasive vascular testing. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) compares blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm, while vascular ultrasound can provide additional information about blood flow. More detailed imaging may be recommended when necessary.
What are the risk factors for Peripheral Artery Disease?
Factors associated with an increased risk of PAD include tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increasing age, and a history of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Ross can evaluate your individual risk factors and determine whether vascular testing is appropriate.
How is Peripheral Artery Disease treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of PAD and your overall health. Management may include lifestyle changes, a structured exercise program, medications to address cardiovascular risk factors, and careful foot care. When blood flow is severely restricted, procedures to open or bypass narrowed arteries may be considered.
When should I seek care for leg circulation problems?
Persistent leg pain with walking, changes in skin color or temperature, or wounds that are not healing should be medically evaluated. Severe pain at rest, rapidly worsening symptoms, or a foot or leg that suddenly becomes cold, pale, numb, or weak requires urgent medical attention.
How can I schedule a PAD evaluation with Dr. Ross?
If you are experiencing symptoms of poor circulation or have concerns about Peripheral Artery Disease, request an appointment with Dr. Ross or call call Oceanside or Encinitas office (760) 724-5352.