Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) services offered in Sacramento, CA

More than 8 million Americans have peripheral artery disease, a chronic condition that increases the risk of slow-healing ulcers and open wounds. At Elite Wound Care, wound care specialist Wayne Rash, DPM, provides complete care for peripheral artery disease, including prescription medication and wound management. To make an appointment, call the office in Sacramento, California, or book online today.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, causes the arteries in your lower extremities to narrow, reducing blood flow to your legs and feet.

Poor circulation in the lower body increases your risk of heart disease, leg cramps, and mobility issues. Fortunately, with intervention and treatment, it’s possible to prevent it from getting worse.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

The symptoms of peripheral artery disease include:

Painful cramping in your legs and hips
Leg numbness or weakness
Slow-healing sores on your legs, feet, or toes
Hair loss
Change of skin color on your legs and feet
Weak pulse in your legs and feet
Erectile dysfunction in men

If you have peripheral artery disease, you might also experience pain or cramps in your arms when writing, using hand tools, or doing other manual tasks.

When should I see a wound care specialist about peripheral artery disease?

Make an appointment with Dr. Rash at Elite Wound Care if you experience leg cramps, leg pain, or numbness, and it lasts for more than a few days. If you’re 65 or older, have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, or live a primarily sedentary lifestyle, it’s important to seek prompt medical care for peripheral artery disease.

How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?

At Elite Wound Care, Dr. Rash diagnoses peripheral artery disease in-office. He reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse during activities, like exercise, and if you have any slow-healing wounds.

Next, he conducts a physical exam and orders several tests, including blood work, a Doppler ultrasound, and an ankle-brachial index. A Doppler ultrasound helps Dr. Rash assess the circulation in your blood vessels and arteries, while an ankle-brachial index compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm.

If Dr. Rash determines that you have peripheral artery disease, he develops a custom treatment plan.

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

There’s no cure for peripheral artery disease, but it’s possible to manage symptoms and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Depending on your age and medical history, Dr. Rash might recommend:

Cholesterol-lowering medication
High blood pressure medication
Medication to control blood sugar
Medication to prevent blood clots
Symptom relief medications

If your symptoms persist or interfere with your ability to perform routine tasks, Dr. Rash might recommend surgery. If necessary, he can refer you to a nearby heart specialist.

To receive treatment for peripheral artery disease, make an appointment at Elite Wound Care by calling the office or booking online today.