Vascular Associates of South Alabama treats peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients in Fairhope, Alabama.
Are you looking for treatment for PAD near Fairhope, or are you seeking a diagnosis to determine whether or not you may have PAD? Patients on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore can trust Vascular Associates of South Alabama with all matters related to their vascular health!
Sometimes we put off seeing a doctor because we're worried about the answers we may receive, but when it come to our health, it's always wise to be pro-active. The good news is that it's generally easy and painless to have a vascular specialist examine you for signs of peripheral artery disease. If it turns out that you do have PAD, getting an early diagnosis and beginning treatment right away can make a huge difference for the positive in your future health. Anyone who has concerns about their risk factors for developing PAD should seek the opinion of a medical professional.
Let the caring experts at Vascular Associates help put your mind at ease and provide whatever assistance you need to live your best, happiest, and healthiest life! Call 251-410-8272 to schedule a vascular health assessment today!
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Diagnosis
on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore
What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD?
Frequently, people with PAD don't experience any symptoms at all. Sometimes they may notice only slight symptoms that result from their poor circulation. Even in cases where symptoms are mild or unobserved, it's still important to receive a diagnosis and get a professional medical opinion to determine your best course of action.
PAD is associated with other serious conditions, including coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and other dangerous complications, and as such, it shouldn't be ignored. Anyone who has a medical history that may put them at risk of PAD should not wait for specific symptoms to appear. Instead, see a physician about your concerns. It never does any harm to have a doctor assess your arterial health!
Though symptoms are not always obvious with PAD, sometimes people with peripheral artery disease do experience indicators of the illness. In those cases, any of the following symptoms may be a sign that a person has PAD:
- Leg pain that begins during walking/other activities, then goes away with rest
- Painful muscle cramps in thigh, calf, or hip
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in lower legs or feet
- Cold sensation in lower leg or foot
- Slow-healing sores on leg, foot, or toes
- Weak or absent pulse in feet or legs
- Loss of hair or slow-growing hair on legs or feet
- Change in skin color of legs
- Shiny skin on legs
- Slow-growing toenails
Risk Factors for PAD
There are a variety of health conditions and other factors that can increase your risk of developing PAD, including the following:
- atherosclerosis (cholesterol build-up in the arteries)
- diabetes
- obesity
- blood vessel inflammation
- smoking
- advanced age
- family history of PAD
It's important to be aware of your personal level of risk for PAD. Don't hesitate to seek the opinion of a physician if you have concerns. A simple assessment can set your mind at ease and get you on the right track for treatment, if necessary.
PAD Diagnosis Near Fairhope, Alabama
Patients living along the Baldwin County Eastern Shore can see the specialists at Vascular Associates for a peripheral artery disease diagnosis. We perform painless vascular ultrasound diagnostics at our state-of-the-art outpatient facility in Mobile, Alabama. This facility is the first of its kind in our region and provides our patients with the latest in vascular care.
The diagnostic process is simple. We start by reviewing your medical history with you. If you've experienced any symptoms, we'll discuss those at this time, as well. A quick, painless physical exam will follow, during which we'll record your skin temperature and pulse rate. Following this brief examination, you'll receive a vascular ultrasound.
Vascular ultrasounds are similar to the ultrasounds that have been used for decades to monitor pregnancies. It's a safe, pain-free, and non-invasive procedure. We'll pass the hand-held ultrasound device over the surface of your skin, in the affected areas. During this process, the hand-held device will collect ultrasound images of your blood vessels. Your vascular experts will then examine these video images and use them to evaluate your arterial and circulatory health. The images gathered during a vascular ultrasound aren't used just for diagnosis; if necessary, they also help your vascular specialist create a treatment plan designed specifically for you and customized for your unique case.
PAD Treatment Plans in South Alabama
If you are diagnosed with PAD, your physician will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual circumstances. The doctor's advice will vary from patient to patient, depending on a number of factors.
Most of the time, physicians recommend medication and lifestyle changes to manage a patient's peripheral artery disease. Simple changes like increasing physical activity and eating a healthy diet can go a long way toward improving a patient's vascular health.
Sometimes, if the case is more severe, surgery may be necessary. Either revascularization with minimally invasive techniques or surgical bypass of the arterial occlusion may be indicated. Whatever treatment plan your physician recommends, we'll work with you to determine the best course of action for a positive outcome. Your team at Vascular Associates of South Alabama is dedicated to providing innovative treatments paired with the best care possible.
State-of-the-Art Vascular Care in Fairhope, Alabama
In Fairhope or elsewhere on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the caring professionals at Vascular Associates of South Alabama would like to help you address any concerns you have about PAD or other vascular conditions. We offer comprehensive vascular care for the people of coastal Alabama. We're always ready to welcome new patients, and we accept most major medical insurance plans.
Please give us a call or contact us online to schedule an appointment!