Skip to main content

Unexplained Leg Pain? It May Be a Sign of Poor Circulation

If you experience unexplained pain in your legs, especially during physical activity, but the pain lets up when you rest, you could have peripheral artery disease (PAD)

This progressive condition affects an estimated 8-12 million adults in America, and if it’s left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including infection, long-standing wounds, and amputation.

Cardiovascular physician Dr. Ayim Djamson and our team of highly trained professionals at Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants provide advanced treatments for patients with PAD and those at high risk of developing PAD.

Our experts have extensive experience in using the latest technology and innovative techniques to manage PAD in order to lower the risk of complications and improve the quality of our patients’ lives.

Peripheral artery disease 101

Your arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the tissues throughout your body. Any damage or change to your arteries compromises your circulatory health. 

PAD is characterized by arterial stiffening and narrowing that reduces blood flow to the extremities. A buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) is the most common cause of PAD, and the risk increases with age.

The reduced blood flow robs your tissues of oxygen and blood, putting you at risk for serious complications.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Many people who have PAD have no symptoms. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. Those who do have symptoms are most likely to experience:

Who gets peripheral artery disease?

Smoking is a major risk factor for PAD. The chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels and promote atherosclerosis. Roughly 90% of patients with PAD have a history of smoking. Other risk factors are:

Lifestyle and dietary changes can reduce both the risk of developing PAD and the likelihood of complications in people who have it.

How is PAD diagnosed and treated?

If you have symptoms of PAD, Dr. Djamson might use a combination of diagnostic tests, such as:

Dr. Djamson takes a comprehensive approach to treating PAD to ensure the best possible care. We offer a full range of treatment options, including:

Restoring blood flow and preventing complications are the primary goals of treatment.

If you have symptoms of PAD, schedule a visit with Dr. Djamson for a comprehensive evaluation by calling or booking online. We have three locations in Beltsville, Bowie, and Columbia, Maryland. You can also send a message to Dr. Djamson and his team via our website. 

PAD doesn’t get better on its own. Appropriate treatment will help you feel and function better as well as protect your circulatory health.  

You Might Also Enjoy...

Take These Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol

Take These Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol

Your body needs a small amount of cholesterol to function optimally, but too much of it can clog and damage your arteries, boosting the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
What is Dyspnea?

What is Dyspnea?

If you find yourself short of breath, often without explanation, it’s wise to have a heart checkup as it may be a warning sign of heart trouble that needs medical attention.
Serious Problems That Hypertension Can Cause

Serious Problems That Hypertension Can Cause

A heart health checkup can put you on the right track toward better overall health, especially by checking for often-undiagnosed high blood pressure. Controlling high blood pressure is one of the most serious components of keeping you healthy.
Using Vestibular Stimulation to Treat Vertigo

Using Vestibular Stimulation to Treat Vertigo

Loss of balance is the most well-known symptom of vertigo, and it can be a major disruption to your daily life, getting in the way of your productivity and well-being. Vestibular stimulation is therapy that works with your brain to reduce symptoms.
Are Palpitations Serious?

Are Palpitations Serious?

Everyone should be concerned about their heart health. That includes not ignoring episodes of palpitations. Prompt diagnosis and treatment helps to avoid complications and protect your heart health.

What’s Good Cholesterol?

Everyone should be concerned about their heart health. After all, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Understanding and monitoring your cholesterol is one aspect of taking care of your heart.