What Is It? Buildup of plaque can occur in the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet. When this
happens, your lower extremities no longer receive enough blood and oxygen. The result is lower extremity arterial disease,
usually called peripheral vascular disease or PVD.
Symptoms The symptoms for PVD can include any of the following:
Pain or cramping in the thighs and/or calves when walking that goes away with rest (intermittent claudication)
Discoloration of the lower legs
Sores on your legs or feet that do not heal
Numbness or tingling in your feet or toes
Treatment Excellent treatment exists for PVD. The type of treatment recommended by your doctor will depend on the extent and location of the blockage in your extremities.
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for PVD. A walking program that gradually increases in duration and intensity
will help improve the leg pain that accompanies this disease.
Medications that can improve blood flow through the affected vessels and lower blood pressure may be prescribed.
Special procedures, such as angioplasty which opens the artery or vascular surgery which bypasses the areas where blockages have occurred, may be recommended. These procedures are described in more detail in the Therapeutic Procedures section.
If you are a smoker, it will be necessary for you to quit as quickly as possible. You may need help quitting. Ask your doctor or nurse. Continued smoking will cause more disease!
Exercise is especially important. A walking program that gradually increases in duration and intensity will help improve the leg pain that accompanies peripheral vascular disease. It is one of the most effective treatments for PVD.
A diet that is high in fiber and low in fat and salt will help keep cholesterol levels in a safe range, decrease extra fluid, lower blood pressure, and provide healing nutrients. It will also assist in weight control, which is extremely important in vascular disease.
These factors are addressed in greater detail in the Lifestyle Management section of this manual.
Your doctor will work with you to establish the best possible combination of treatments.
