Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Leg pain, cramping, or slow-healing wounds can be signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)—a condition caused by plaque buildup that narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. Common symptoms include pain with walking, coldness, numbness, and non-healing sores. PAD is also an important warning sign, as it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Traditional treatment focuses on slowing the disease and protecting your overall health. This includes quitting smoking, structured walking programs to improve circulation, and medications such as statins, blood pressure control, and antiplatelet therapy.

We specialize in advanced, minimally invasive PAD treatments that go beyond symptom management. In our office-based lab, we use image-guided techniques to open blocked arteries through a tiny incision—no major surgery required. Our treatments include angioplasty and stents to restore blood flow, atherectomy to remove plaque, and shockwave therapy to break up calcium buildup. These are outpatient procedures, allowing you to go home the same day.

These treatments are ideal for patients with leg pain that limits walking or wounds that are not healing despite medical therapy. Our goal is to restore circulation, prevent serious complications, and help you return to walking comfortably.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore the tabs below to learn more about your options. If you’re ready to improve your circulation and find relief, schedule your appointment online or call our office—we’re here to help you get back to your life

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the legs become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. This condition, called atherosclerosis, reduces blood flow to the muscles and tissues of the legs and feet.

PAD affects millions of people in the United States and becomes more common with age.

Common Symptoms

Some people with PAD may have no symptoms, while others experience:

Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication) that improves with rest
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
Coldness in the lower leg or foot
Slow-healing sores or wounds on the feet or toes
Changes in skin color of the legs or feet
Shiny skin or hair loss on the legs

Because symptoms can be subtle, many people may not realize they have PAD.

Why PAD is Important

PAD is not only a circulation problem in the legs—it is also a sign of atherosclerosis elsewhere in the body.

People with PAD have a higher risk of:

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of PAD include:

Treatment Options for PAD

Treatment for PAD focuses on improving circulation, relieving symptoms, and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are a key part of treatment:

Regular walking exercise can significantly improve walking distance and overall mobility.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications to improve circulation and reduce cardiovascular risk:

Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
Blood pressure medications
Antiplatelet medications such as aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent blood clots
Diabetes medications if needed
Cilostazol, a medication that may help improve walking distance

When Additional Treatment Is Needed

If symptoms continue despite lifestyle changes and medications, procedures may be recommended to restore blood flow to the legs.

These treatments can help improve:

Minimally invasive procedures can often restore blood flow without major surgery.

Learn more about these treatments in the next tab.

Minimally Invasive PAD Treatments

At our center, we specialize in minimally invasive PAD treatments performed in our Office-Based Lab (OBL).

These procedures restore blood flow using small catheters and advanced imaging guidance, allowing most patients to return home the same day.

Common PAD Procedures We Perform

Balloon Angioplasty

A small balloon is inserted into the narrowed artery and inflated to open the blockage and improve blood flow.

Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty

A balloon coated with medication helps open the artery while reducing the chance that the blockage will return.

Stent Placement

A small metal mesh tube (stent) may be placed in the artery to keep it open and maintain blood flow.

Atherectomy

Specialized devices remove or shave away plaque buildup from inside the artery.

Intravascular Lithotripsy

Shockwave technology can break up hard calcium deposits within the artery to allow it to open more effectively.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Most procedures are performed as outpatient treatments in our office-based lab.

During the procedure:

The procedure typically takes 1–3 hours, and most patients return home the same day.

What Happens After the Procedure

After an endovascular procedure, ongoing care is important to maintain good circulation.

Patients typically require:

Antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel plus aspirin for at least 30 days (sometimes longer depending on the procedure)
Continued statin therapy and other cardiovascular medications
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor circulation
Continued exercise and lifestyle changes
Imaging tests such as ultrasound to ensure the treated artery remains open

Important Points to Remember

PAD is a serious vascular condition that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
All patients with PAD require medical therapy to reduce cardiovascular risk, even if a procedure is performed
Exercise therapy is highly effective and should be part of treatment
Procedures work best when combined with medications and lifestyle changes
Smoking cessation is critical for the best outcomes
Some arteries may narrow again over time, and repeat treatments may occasionally be needed
Treatment decisions are individualized based on your symptoms, health, and the location of blockages

Am I a Candidate? | Schedule a Consultation

You may be a candidate for minimally invasive PAD treatment if you:

Have leg pain or cramping when walking
Have non-healing wounds on your feet or toes
Experience pain in your feet or legs even at rest
Have been diagnosed with blockages in the leg arteries
Have tried lifestyle changes and medications but still have symptoms

PAD treatments are most effective when combined with:

Schedule a Consultation

During your consultation, we will:

Our goal is to provide safe, minimally invasive treatments that restore circulation, relieve symptoms, and help prevent complications from PAD.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about PAD treatment options available in our office-based lab.