🦵What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and How Is It Treated?

By Dr. Ritesh Gaikwad – Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, Thane, Ghodbunder Road, KIMS Hospital, Hiranandani Estate, Naupada, and Mumbai.

🔍 What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common vascular condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood supply to the limbs—most often the legs. This occurs due to atherosclerosis, where fatty plaque builds up inside artery walls.
If you experience leg pain while walking or have a non-healing foot wound, PAD could be the cause.

⚠️ Symptoms of PAD You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Cramping or pain in the legs when walking (claudication)

• Cold feet or toes, especially on one side

• Numbness or weakness in legs

• Slow-heapng ulcers on the foot or toes

• Shiny skin, hair loss on legs, or absent foot pulses

• Advanced signs: blackened toes or gangrene

Early diagnosis of PAD can save your limb — and possibly your life.

👨‍⚕️ Are You at Risk for PAD?

You may be at risk if you have any of the following:

• • Diabetes
• • Smoking
• • High blood pressure
• • High cholesterol
• • Obesity
• • Sedentary lifestyle
• • Age above 50
• • Family history of heart or vascular disease

🩺 How Is PAD Diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes:

1. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) – Checks for reduced blood flow to the legs

2. Doppler Ultrasound – Non-invasive test to view blockages

3. CT Angiography or MR Angiography – Visualizes arteries in detail

4. Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) – Measures blood flow in legs

5. TcPO₂ (Transcutaneous oxygen test) – Assesses tissue oxygenation, especially in non-healing wounds

🛠️ Modern Treatment Options for PAD

1. Lifestyle & Medical Management

• • Stop smoking
• • Regular walking and foot care
• • Control diabetes, BP, cholesterol
• • Medications: antiplatelets, statins, cilostazol

2. Endovascular (Minimally Invasive) Interventions

• • Balloon Angioplasty – Widens narrowed arteries
• • Stent Placement – Keeps arteries open
• • Atherectomy – Removes plaque buildup
• • IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) – Provides precision-guided imaging during procedures
• • Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) – Uses sound waves to break up calcium in hardened arteries, improving safety and success of angioplasty

✅ These are daycare procedures with fast recovery and minimal pain.

3. Bypass Surgery

Used when blockages are too extensive for angioplasty. A new blood flow path is created using a vein or synthetic graft.

🚨 When Should You Consult a Vascular Surgeon?

• Pain in legs during walking or at rest
• Wounds or ulcers not healing
• Discoloration or coldness in toes/foot
• Diagnosed PAD needing angioplasty or bypass
• Diabetics with foot symptoms

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Ritesh Gaikwad – PAD & Limb Salvage Specialist

With expertise in angioplasty, IVL, atherectomy, IVUS, and limb bypass surgery, I offer personalized PAD treatment across:

📍 Thane – Ghodbunder Road, Naupada

🏥 KIMS Hospital, Hiranandani Estate

📍 Mumbai

Let’s work together to restore circulation, avoid amputation, and help you walk pain-free again.

📞 Contact Dr. Ritesh Gaikwad

📱 Mobile/WhatsApp:+919619332942

📧 Email: drriteshgaikwad19@gmail.com

🌐 Website: www.drriteshgaikwad.com

🔑 Take-Home Message

PAD is not just leg pain — it’s a warning sign of blocked arteries. Timely diagnosis and modern treatments like angioplasty, stenting, and lithotripsy can save your limb.