Poor circulation in the legs can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition caused by narrowed or blocked arteries that reduce blood flow to the lower extremities. Peripheral artery disease symptoms often include leg pain, cramping, numbness, or slow-healing wounds, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest. If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including ulcers and tissue damage. Dr. Amiel Moshfegh offers diagnosis and advanced treatment options at Southern California Vascular Institute to restore circulation and relieve symptoms.
Dr. Moshfegh treats peripheral artery disease at our Wilshire Boulevard office in the Miracle Mile, a convenient option for patients in Mid-Wilshire, Koreatown, and the surrounding central Los Angeles neighborhoods. If you are experiencing leg discomfort or other PAD symptoms, contact one of our locations in Los Angeles, Huntington Park, or Bakersfield, CA to explore your treatment options.
How Is Peripheral Artery Disease Treated?
Managing peripheral artery disease (PAD) focuses on improving circulation and preventing complications through personalized care. Dr. Amiel Moshfegh and his team at Southern California Vascular Institute offer a range of treatments, including lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting. For more severe cases, advanced treatments for PAD may be necessary to restore blood flow and reduce symptoms.
What Are the Benefits of Treating PAD?
Early treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) can help restore circulation, reduce symptoms, and prevent serious complications. Seeking care can improve mobility and overall health. Key benefits of this treatment include:
- Improved blood flow
- Reduced pain and cramping
- Lower risk of complications
- Minimally invasive options
- Better quality of life
- Gornik HL, Aronow HD, Goodney PP, et al. 2024 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/APMA/ABC/SCAI/SVM/SVN/SVS/SIR/VESS Guideline for the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease. Circulation. 2024;149(24):e1313-e1410. (SIR is a co-authoring society.)
- Farber A, Menard MT, Conte MS, et al. Surgery or endovascular therapy for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (BEST-CLI). N Engl J Med. 2022;387(25):2305-2316.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early warning signs of peripheral artery disease?
Common early signs of PAD include leg pain or cramping when walking that eases with rest, numbness or weakness in the legs, coldness in the lower leg or foot, and slow-healing sores on the feet or toes. Some people with PAD have no noticeable symptoms. For people at increased risk, a clinician may recommend testing such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) even before typical symptoms develop. If you notice these symptoms, a vascular evaluation can help identify the cause.
How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?
PAD is often diagnosed with a simple, noninvasive test called the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and the arm. Imaging such as ultrasound may be used to locate narrowed or blocked arteries. Dr. Moshfegh reviews your symptoms, risk factors, and test results to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.
Can peripheral artery disease be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many cases of PAD are managed without open surgery. Treatment may include smoking cessation when applicable, medication to reduce cardiovascular risk, management of conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, and a structured exercise program. For selected patients whose symptoms remain limiting or whose circulation is severely compromised, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty or stenting may be considered to improve blood flow.
What happens if PAD is left untreated?
Untreated PAD can worsen over time and lead to serious complications, including non-healing wounds, infection, and in severe cases tissue damage that can threaten the limb. PAD is also associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Early evaluation and treatment can help protect circulation and overall health.
Who is at higher risk for peripheral artery disease?
Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, older age, and a family history of vascular disease. People with a history of heart disease or stroke are also at higher risk. If you have these risk factors, talk with a specialist about whether screening is appropriate.
Is leg pain always a sign of peripheral artery disease?
Not always. Leg pain can have many causes, including vein problems, nerve conditions, and muscle strain. Because PAD pain often occurs with walking and improves with rest, a vascular evaluation can help determine whether reduced circulation is contributing to the symptoms.