Vascular insufficiency due to peripheral artery disease (PAD, claudication, inadequate blood flow)

Description The sensation of mu...

Description

The sensation of muscle fatigue or cramp-like pain that may occur in one or both legs, usually after minimal exercise. Symptoms are relieved after resting, and the calf is most commonly affected, but symptoms may be felt in the thighs, buttocks, hips or feet. Peripheral arterial disease from a buildup of plaque in the walls of arteries (atherosclerosis) is the usual cause. As the buildup continues the artery becomes more and more narrow, and can eventually lead to increased infections and loss of the leg.

Symptoms

Pain in the leg with exercise, cool feet, weak pulse, numbness, skin discoloration.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The initial test is usually a non-invasive test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). A CT angiogram or standard angiogram can show where the arteries are blocked.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

Other Specific Tests: CT angiogram, standard angiogram

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, Family Practice, Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Treatment

The treatment depends on the severity of disease and the location of the artery blockage. Smokers must quit immediately. Graduated walking exercises can help decrease symptoms. Drug therapy usually includes aspirin or another anti-platelet drug, such as clopidogrel/Plavix. Other drugs used to help relieve symptoms include cilostazol (Pletal) and pentoxifylline (Trental). Surgical procedures include intra-arterial stenting and artery bypass.