Peripheral Arterial Disease in Ponte Vedra, Florida

 

If your legs and feet start to hurt following a long walk, you may be wondering what’s causing it. Is it a muscle strain? Is it fatigue? Or is it an indication of something more serious? It could be a leg artery diseasesign of atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. And that could mean serious health problems, including a stroke or heart attack. And because February is National Heart Month, today Dr. Amanda Bartell and Dr. Andrew Bartell of North Florida Foot & Ankle Center are sharing more information about this condition.

This disorder is called peripheral arterial disease, otherwise referred to as PAD and it develops when plaque forms in the arteries that transport blood from the heart to other parts of the body, including the torso, arms, and legs.

And while pain in your legs or feet usually isn’t an indication of heart problems, many people aren’t even aware of the possibility that it might be. The pain typically goes away when a person rests and returns only when they resume walking.

This condition may be marked by leg cramps, which also may be a sign of dehydration or other relatively non-threatening conditions. Other symptoms may include numbness, hair loss in the painful area, a weakened pulse, or discoloration of the skin.

Not everyone with this condition displays symptoms; in fact, experts report that as many as 40 percent of those with PAD exhibit no symptoms. Even so, it is a potentially serious - sometimes fatal - condition. And when left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack, kidney problems, restricted mobility, stroke, or even amputation.

If you show signs of this condition, the good news is that in many cases, it can be successfully treated simply by making minor lifestyle changes such as not smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet and exercising more.

If you’re experiencing pain or any other problems with your feet, don’t take any chances! Contact the office of Dr. Amanda Bartell and Dr. Andrew Bartell of North Florida Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule an appointment while it’s on your mind. You can call us at (904) 236-5023 or contact us online.

New in 2020: We now have two great locations to serve you! In addition to our office in Jacksonville, we’ve added an office in Ponte Vedra so we can serve both Southside and Duval county residents.

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