Welcome to Panhandle Vascular Surgical Specialists

CAN'T WALK.......LET'S TALK

Could you have PAD?

Are you 50 years old or older?

Do you smoke or did you smoke?

Have you been diagnosed with any of the following: Diabetes? Chronic kidney disease? High blood pressure? High cholesterol?

Symptoms that may be signs you have PAD: Do you experience tiredness, heaviness, or cramping in the leg muscles? Do you have toes or feet that look pale, discolored or blue? Do you experience leg or foot pain that disturbs your sleep? Do you have sores or wounds on your toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all? Do you have a leg or foot that feels colder than the other? Do you have thick, yellow toenails that aren't growing?

Peripheral Arterial Disease also known as PAD happens when plaque builds up on the inside of the artery walls. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the legs and arms. As the arteries harden and narrow blood flow to the legs and feet is significantly reduced. This may also involve hardened and narrowed arteries to the heart and brain, thus higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

YOU can help yourself by talking with our doctors and making some lifestyle changes. These changes may be hard to do but we are here to help. Adding these changes can save a limb and/or your  life. To start with increasing daily exercise managing diabetes eating foods high in nutrition and fiber and yes I am going to say it eliminate smoking.  These are the first steps. While you may have heard it all before these simple steps (notice I didn't say easy) can save a limb and/or life.  In addition are others that include medications  and/or procedures.  In all of this we are here to help coach you through.