Peripheral Vascular Disease

Not everyone thinks to call a Cardiologist over leg pain, but a cardiovascular issue can cause leg pain. Thankfully it is an easily treatable condition here at Cardiology Associates of South Florida.

Peripheral Vascular Disease occurs when narrow arteries in the circulatory system restrict blood flow to the extremities. When peripheral vascular disease occurs, the legs or arms, usually the legs, don’t have proper blood flow to keep your tissue healthy.

Peripheral vascular disease can cause leg pain (limping) when walking and may signify a buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) in the arteries. This condition narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs and sometimes to the arms. Peripheral artery disease can also be successfully treated with exercise, healthy eating, and smoking cessation.

Although many people with peripheral vascular disease have almost no symptoms, some experience leg pain (limping) when walking. Symptoms of claudication include muscle pain or cramps in the legs or arms. These symptoms occur during activities such as walking but disappear after a few minutes of rest. The location of the pain depends on the blocked or narrowed artery location.

Calf pain is the most common location. The degree of limp varies from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. A severe limp can make walking or exercise difficult.