What do I need to know about pain?
You shouldn’t have to put up with pain in your legs because you believe it’s a normal part of getting older. Talk with a health care professional to see if your leg pain is a sign of a larger health problem, such as peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.). PAD causes arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. in the legs to become narrow and hardened, limiting blood flow to the legs and feet.
Learn More About PAD
Peripheral arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. disease (PAD) affects 20 million Americans.1 Knowing the signs and risk factors help with early detection. This may help broaden treatment options which range from non-invasive to invasive.
Make informed decisions and have open conversations with your physician and get a second opinion if amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) is recommended.
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Find a doctor – If you’re looking for a second opinion, we recommend that you talk to a PAD specialist. Click the button to find a PAD specialist near you.
What you should know:
- Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation
- Leg pain could be caused by narrowed, hardened arteries from PAD
- In the worst form of PAD, called critical limb ischemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. (CLI), the obstructed blood flow is so bad that the pain can be intolerable20
The good news is there are many treatment options for PAD. So don’t wait. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor now. Ask your doctor if a limb salvage programA hospital-based, physician-led, comprehensive program in which health care providers coordinate your care among the multiple specialties involved with the goal of saving your legs, feet or toes from amputation. or revascularizationThe restoration of the blood circulation to an organ or area, achieved by unblocking obstructed or disrupted blood vessels or by surgically implanting replacements. procedures are available. If a program isn’t available or your doctor is not aware of these treatment options for PAD, you might want to consult a PAD specialist. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
Talk to Your Doctor
Only a health care professional can diagnose you with PAD. Our Symptom Quiz can help guide the conversation about your treatment options.
Take the Symptom Quiz
Click below to take the interactive Symptom Quiz. You can print your answers out and take them with you to a doctor to help guide your conversation about PAD.
Stop ignoring the signs. Talk to a PAD specialist. Take control of your health.