Risk factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease include Tobacco use, Diabetes, Age, Race, Gender, Hypertension, and Hyperlipidemia.

Consequences of peripheral arterial disease include changes in activity level from intermittent claudication (pain while walking), ulcer development, skin changes, gangrene, and critical ischemic events, such as stroke and heart attack.

Only fifty percent of the United States' 12 million people with PAD are symptomatic. Twenty-one percent of newly diagnosed diabetics already have PAD.

A critical step in diagnosing PAD is to have your doctor assess your circulation and evaluate your risk factors for the disease. Often times, simple changes in lifestyle can be made to significantly reduce the potential consequences of PAD.

If you are experiencing leg cramps while walking short distances, or are experiencing pain while your legs are elevated (such as at night, while in bed), it is necessary that you bring this to our attention.

At Tri-State Foot and Ankle Center, all patients are screened for PAD, as a part of our regular exam. Through the prevention of problems which arise as a result of PAD, we are helping to save limbs and lives.

For more information on Peripheral Artery Disease, please go to www.PADcoalition.org