Yes, leg pains can be a blood flow issue, according to a Chattanooga doctor

Q: I’ve been having pain in my legs while walking, but I’ve been told it isn’t an orthopedic issue, but a blood flow issue. How is that possible?

A: Peripheral arterial disease is a common cardiovascular condition that affects millions of people across the globe. It is a serious condition that occurs when the arteries in the arms, pelvis or legs become narrowed or clogged due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow to the limbs and other organs. This can cause pain, difficulty walking and other complications that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. At the forefront of peripheral arterial disease treatment are referring doctors who recognize symptoms, patients in need of critical information about the disease and providers who deliver necessary care.

Peripheral arterial disease usually occurs due to fatty deposits or plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis, along the walls of the arteries. As these deposits build up, they narrow the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow freely through them to the extremities. This lack of oxygen-rich blood can lead to a wide range of symptoms. The risk factors for peripheral arterial disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and a family history of the condition. Aging is another factor since arteries tend to lose elasticity and become stiffer over time, making them more prone to blockages. It can also be caused by other medical conditions such as Raynaud’s phenomenon and lupus.

In early-stage peripheral arterial disease, there may not be any visible symptoms. However, common symptoms in the legs include leg pain, cramping, numbness, tingling and fatigue. Other symptoms may include coldness in the extremities when the body temperature is normal and changes in skin color of the affected extremity that may appear shiny, bluish or pale due to reduced blood flow. When peripheral arterial disease progresses, the symptoms become severe, with patients experiencing pain even while resting, slow healing sores or wounds and weakened pulses in the affected limb.

A doctor or health care provider will conduct a physical examination to diagnose peripheral arterial disease and ask about the patient’s medical history. The health care provider may also use ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography or computerized tomography angiography to examine the blood vessels and assess blood flow in the arms, legs or pelvis. The provider may also conduct ankle-brachial index testing, which compares blood pressure in the arms and legs to determine if there is reduced blood flow to the legs. A treatment plan based on the findings will then be discussed with the patient.

The goal of treatment for peripheral arterial disease is to reduce symptoms and increase blood flow to the areas affected. It can be treated through medical therapy, lifestyle changes or a combination of both. Medical therapy may include medications such as blood thinners, known as anticoagulants, to prevent the formation of blood clots, and medications to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and quitting smoking can also help reduce the risk of peripheral arterial disease. Patients with severe peripheral arterial disease may need procedures such as an angioplasty, stent placement or surgery. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the disease.

Dr. Chris LeSar is a vascular surgeon with Vascular Institute of Chattanooga and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.