It started gradually. A heaviness in the calves on the way to the mailbox. A cramp that made you stop halfway through the grocery store parking lot. You figured it was age, or maybe that old injury acting up again.
But your doctor ran a simple test and told you something you weren’t expecting: your arteries aren’t getting enough blood to your legs. You have Peripheral Artery Disease — PAD.
The good news? PAD is treatable. And you may not need surgery to treat it.
What Is PAD?
Peripheral Artery Disease happens when plaque — a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances — narrows the arteries that carry blood to your legs. Less blood flow means your muscles don’t get the oxygen they need when you’re moving. That’s what causes the pain.
PAD affects more than 8 million Americans, most of them over age 50. It’s also a warning sign: people with PAD have a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Treating PAD early isn’t just about walking without pain — it’s about your overall heart health.
What Are the Warning Signs?
- Leg pain, aching, or cramping that happens when you walk and goes away with rest (called claudication)
- Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
- Cold feet, especially if one foot feels colder than the other
- Sores or wounds on the feet or toes that are slow to heal
- Skin on the legs that looks shiny, pale, or bluish
- Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
If you have any of these symptoms — especially if you’re over 50, or have a history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol — ask your doctor about PAD screening. The initial test is simple and painless.
How Is PAD Treated Without Major Surgery?
This is where interventional radiology offers a real advantage. For many patients, PAD can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty — sometimes combined with stenting.
- A tiny catheter is inserted through a small puncture in the groin or wrist
- The catheter is guided to the narrowed or blocked artery using real-time X-ray imaging
- A small balloon on the tip of the catheter is inflated to widen the artery
- In some cases, a small mesh tube (stent) is left in place to keep the artery open
The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours. Patients go home the same day and notice improvement in symptoms fairly quickly.
✓ Angioplasty and stenting can restore blood flow and significantly reduce PAD symptoms.
✓ The procedure avoids the risks and recovery time of open bypass surgery.
✓ In severe cases, treating PAD early can prevent limb-threatening complications.
Untreated severe PAD is one of the leading causes of non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Early treatment matters.
What About Lifestyle Changes?
For early or mild PAD, lifestyle changes and medication are often the first step — quitting smoking (the single most important change), regular walking programs, managing blood sugar and blood pressure, and cholesterol medication. These won’t reverse the blockages, but they can slow progression significantly.
For moderate to severe PAD, or when symptoms are limiting your daily life, a procedure may be recommended alongside these lifestyle changes.
When Should I See an Interventional Radiologist?
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to interventional radiology if:
- Your PAD symptoms are limiting your ability to walk or perform daily activities
- You have non-healing wounds on your feet or legs
- Medication and lifestyle changes haven’t improved your symptoms
- You’ve been told you may need bypass surgery
Walking your dog, getting to the mailbox, moving through your day without pain — these things matter. Let’s help you get them back.
Schedule a PAD evaluation with our team today.