Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Treatment

If you are in Brentwood, Walnut Creek, Danville, or the surrounding Northern California communities and are experiencing leg pain while walking, slow-healing wounds, or other signs of poor circulation, the specialists at BASS Vein Center can help. We evaluate and treat Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of serious complications.

What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.

Healthy arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When plaque accumulates inside the artery walls:

Blood flow becomes restricted
Muscles receive less oxygen during activity
Walking may become painful
Wounds may heal more slowly
The risk of serious vascular complications increases

PAD most commonly affects the legs and feet and is often associated with atherosclerosis, the same process that can contribute to heart disease and stroke.

Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Many patients first notice symptoms during walking or exercise. Common signs of PAD include:

Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication)
Pain that improves with rest
Fatigue or heaviness in the legs
Cold feet or lower legs
Numbness or weakness
Slow-healing wounds on the feet or toes
Changes in skin color
Shiny skin on the legs
Loss of hair on the legs or feet
Foot pain while resting, especially at night

Some individuals have PAD without noticeable symptoms, making routine evaluation important for those at higher risk.

What Causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?

PAD is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the arteries.

Over time, plaque narrows the arteries and limits blood flow to the legs and feet.

Risk factors include:

Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Kidney disease
Family history of vascular disease
Age over 65
Prior heart attack or stroke

Smoking and diabetes are among the strongest risk factors for developing PAD.

Treatment Options for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Treatment focuses on improving circulation, reducing symptoms, and lowering the risk of complications.

Lifestyle Modifications

Smoking cessation
Regular walking and exercise programs
Weight management
Blood pressure control
Cholesterol management
Diabetes management

Medications

Your physician may recommend medications to:

Reduce cardiovascular risk
Manage cholesterol
Control blood pressure
Improve circulation

Minimally Invasive Vascular Procedures

For patients with significant arterial narrowing, treatment may include:

Balloon angioplasty
Stent placement
Atherectomy
Other endovascular procedures

These treatments can help restore blood flow without major surgery.

Surgical Treatment

In advanced cases, vascular bypass surgery may be recommended to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Without treatment, PAD can progressively worsen and lead to serious complications.

Potential complications include:

Non-healing wounds
Foot ulcers
Infection
Critical limb ischemia
Tissue loss
Amputation
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke

Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve circulation and improve quality of life.

Prevention Strategies

While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk of PAD by:

Avoiding tobacco products
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing diabetes
Controlling blood pressure
Lowering cholesterol levels
Attending regular medical checkups

These steps also support overall cardiovascular health.

Get Help for Peripheral Arterial Disease

If you are experiencing leg pain while walking, poor wound healing, cold feet, or other signs of reduced circulation, the specialists at BASS Vein Center can help.

We serve patients throughout Brentwood, Walnut Creek, Danville, Antioch, Oakland, Napa, Pleasanton, and the surrounding Northern California communities.

Schedule an evaluation today to learn more about your circulation and treatment options.