PAD treatment Mountain View

So You Just Found Out You Have PAD – What’s Next?

Receiving a diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering what this means for your health, your future, and your quality of life. The good news? PAD is treatable, and with the right guidance and care, you can take control of your condition.

What Is PAD?

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to your limbs, most often your legs. This build-up, known as atherosclerosis, narrows or blocks blood flow, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Leg pain when walking (claudication)
  • Numbness or weakness
  • Coldness in your lower leg or foot
  • Sores that won’t heal
  • Color changes in the skin
  • Hair loss on legs and feet

If left untreated, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, amputation, and even increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Your provider likely confirmed your PAD diagnosis using tests such as:

  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A simple test comparing the blood pressure in your ankle and arm.
  • Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluates blood flow in the vessels.
  • CT or MR Angiography: Provides a detailed view of your arteries.
  • Angiogram: A minimally invasive test using contrast dye and X-rays to see blockages.

What Happens Next?

Your journey begins with education, lifestyle changes, and personalized treatment planning. Here’s what you can expect after a PAD diagnosis:

Step 1: Lifestyle Modifications

The foundation of PAD treatment is improving blood flow and preventing further arterial damage. Start with these lifestyle adjustments:

  • Quit Smoking: Tobacco use accelerates plaque buildup and worsens PAD.
  • Exercise: Supervised walking programs improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
  • Healthy Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium diet to manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Manage Diabetes: Keeping blood sugar under control reduces complications.
  • Monitor Cholesterol & Blood Pressure: Medications may be needed to reach your targets.

Step 2: Medications

Several medications may be prescribed to slow disease progression and reduce symptoms, including:

  • Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel): Reduce the risk of blood clots.
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins): Slow plaque buildup.
  • Blood pressure medications: Reduce stress on your arteries.
  • Medications to improve walking: Such as cilostazol for intermittent claudication.

Step 3: Minimally Invasive Procedures

If lifestyle and medications aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive vascular procedure:

  • Angioplasty: A balloon is inserted to open narrowed arteries.
  • Stenting: A small mesh tube is placed to keep the artery open.
  • Atherectomy: Removal of plaque buildup using a catheter-based tool.
  • Bypass Surgery: Creating an alternate path for blood flow (used less commonly today).

These procedures are often done as outpatient treatments by interventional radiologists using image guidance. At FKMD, we specialize in these techniques to restore circulation and relieve leg pain—without open surgery.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

After treatment, ongoing care is essential. You’ll need regular check-ups, imaging tests, and lab work to make sure your arteries remain open and healthy. Long-term success depends on your commitment to lifestyle changes and follow-up care.

When to Seek Help

If you notice worsening symptoms—such as increased leg pain at rest, wounds that won’t heal, or signs of infection—contact your doctor right away. These may indicate critical limb ischemia, which requires urgent attention.

Take Control of PAD

PAD is a serious condition, but you have the power to change the course of your health. With early diagnosis, consistent care, and the right treatment team, many people with PAD live active, fulfilling lives.

Why Choose FKMD?

At FKMD, we combine advanced imaging technology with compassionate care to diagnose and treat PAD at every stage. Our interventional radiology team offers safe, effective procedures designed to get you back on your feet—literally.

Schedule Your Consultation

Don’t wait to get the answers and relief you deserve. If you’ve just been diagnosed with PAD or are struggling with leg pain, we’re here to help.

📞 Call 650-404-8445 to schedule your personalized vascular evaluation at FKMD today.