Patients afflicted with peripheral artery disease (also known as peripheral arterial disease or PAD) suffer from narrowed arteries that limit the blood flow to the extremities. This condition is usually most prominent in a patient's legs, which normally results in intermittent leg pain when walking or participating in sports. As the foot care specialists at Choice Podiatry Associates in Cincinnati explain, PAD usually indicates a more widespread problem that can be treated with a variety of medication and lifestyle choices.

Most people with PAD also have atherosclerosis, a general buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. In addition to restricting the blood flow to your limbs, it could also be choking off the supply to your heart and brain, as well. Over time, PAD can lead to sores or gangrene in the legs and, in extreme cases, require amputation of the limb if severe tissue damage occurs.

Luckily, many people can control or even reverse their PAD by reducing the amount of fat in their diets, exercising more, and quitting smoking. However, if this isn't entirely effective, your podiatrist can also prescribe medication to prevent blood clots and lower your blood pressure. If your blood vessels are so narrow that blood flow is cut off entirely, surgical solutions are available, ranging from grafts to stent placement, in order to stop the progression of the disease and prevent dangerous complications.

Visit Choice Podiatry Associates online to learn more about the range of foot problems they treat, or just call (513) 574-2424 to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.