Are you seeking diagnosis or treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Daphne, Alabama? Vascular Associates of South Alabama diagnose and treat PAD in patients on the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County. Fortunately, diagnosing PAD is typically an easy and painless process. Treatment for PAD can make a considerable difference in your future health and enjoyment of life. If you have concerns about your vascular health, don't put it off! Vascular Associates can set your mind at ease and get you started on the road to a healthier, happier life.
Click here to schedule a vascular health assessment with Vascular Associates of South Alabama!
What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD?
Many times, people who have PAD experience no obvious symptoms at all. Others observe only mild symptoms as a result of their poor circulation. However, even if there are no pronounced symptoms, the problem is still there, and it's still important to be aware of the condition and monitor it. For this reason, it's wise to take a pro-active approach. If you have any reason to suspect you might have PAD, don't put off speaking to a physician about your concerns.
If you were to have noticeable symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), they could include any of the following:
- Painful muscle cramps in thigh, calf, or hip
- Leg pain that begins during walking/other activities, then goes away with rest
- Cold sensation in lower leg or foot
- Slow-healing sores on leg, foot, or toes
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in lower legs or feet
- Weak or absent pulse in feet or legs
- Change in skin color of legs
- Shiny skin on legs
- Loss of hair or slow-growing hair on legs or feet
- Slow-growing toenails
A number of health conditions are linked to an increased risk of peripheral artery disease. These include atherosclerosis (cholesterol build-up in the arteries), high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, and blood vessel inflammation. Smoking, advanced age, and a family history of PAD can also increase the likelihood that a person will develop peripheral artery disease.
PAD Diagnosis near Daphne, Alabama
The specialists at Vascular Associates of South Alabama can provide a PAD diagnosis for patients along the Eastern Shore. We begin by reviewing a patient's medical history and symptoms (if there are any). A simple, painless physical examination follows, including checking the patient's skin temperature and pulse. After this quick exam, we perform a vascular ultrasound-- right here in our state-of-the-art outpatient facility, conveniently located in Mobile, Alabama.
A vascular ultrasound is a pain-free, non-invasive procedure similar to the type of ultrasounds that are used to monitor pregnancies. We pass a hand-held device over the surface of the patient's skin, gathering images of the vessels as we go. Our vascular experts use these video images to evaluate the patient's arteries and circulatory health. Vascular ultrasound images are useful not only for diagnosis but also in forming a treatment plan customized specially for each individual patient.
PAD Treatment in South Alabama
The treatment of peripheral artery disease varies from patient to patient, according to their unique case, but most of the time, PAD can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Simply being more physically active and choosing a healthier diet can make a huge difference in a patient's vascular health. In some cases, a revascularization procedure may be necessary. This is often performed through a minimally invasive surgery. Whatever treatment is required, the team at Vascular Associates of South Alabama will administer the best care possible. We're dedicated to bringing South Alabama the most innovative treatment options available today.
If you live in Daphne, AL, and have symptoms of PAD, or if you have any other concerns about your vascular health, the professional, caring team at Vascular Associates of South Alabama can help. We provide coastal Alabama with comprehensive vascular care and are always happy to welcome new patients. For your convenience, we accept most major medical insurance plans. Would you like to schedule an appointment? Give us a call or contact us online!