Peripheral Arterial Disease: Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore – Texas Comprehensive Care
Introduction
Have your legs started to hurt when you walk? Do they feel heavy, cold, or numb? Do you get cramps that stop you in your tracks? Many people ignore these symptoms, thinking they are just signs of getting older. But these can be early signs of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
At Texas Comprehensive Care (TXC) in Sugar Land, we help you find answers before PAD becomes a bigger problem. We use advanced testing to check your circulation and help you avoid serious complications.
What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease happens when your arteries get blocked by fatty deposits, slowing down blood flow to your legs and feet. This means your legs don’t get the oxygen they need, especially when you walk.
When your blood flow is poor, your muscles don’t get enough oxygen. This leads to pain, cramping, weakness, and wounds that don’t heal. If you ignore PAD, it can get worse, leading to serious health problems.
Early Signs of PAD You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here are PAD symptoms you need to watch for:
- Leg pain when walking that stops when you rest (claudication)
- Leg cramps in your calves, thighs, or buttocks
- Cold feet or toes
- Numbness or weakness in your legs
- Sores or wounds on your legs or feet that won’t heal
- Shiny skin or slow-growing toenails
- Weak or absent pulse in your feet
If you notice these early signs of PAD, don’t wait. At TXC, we can help you catch PAD early, so you can start treatment before it gets worse.
What Causes PAD?
You may wonder, what causes PAD? It happens when plaque builds up inside your arteries. This plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in your blood.
PAD risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor diet
- Aging
- Family history of vascular disease
PAD in diabetics is more dangerous, as diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves, making PAD progress faster.
How Serious Is PAD?
PAD is serious. It doesn’t just affect your legs; it increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Without treatment, PAD can lead to severe infections, leg ulcers, and even amputation.
That’s why it’s important to catch PAD early with PAD screening at Texas Comprehensive Care in Sugar Land.
What Is Claudication?
You may hear the term claudication. But what is claudication?
It is leg pain that happens when you walk and stops when you rest. It is one of the earliest signs of PAD. It occurs because your muscles aren’t getting enough blood during activity.
PAD vs. Neuropathy: What’s the Difference?
People sometimes confuse PAD with neuropathy because both cause leg symptoms. But they are different:
- Neuropathy causes numbness, burning, or tingling due to nerve damage, often from diabetes.
- PAD causes pain, cramping, and coldness due to poor blood flow.
At TXC, we can help you find out if your symptoms are caused by PAD or neuropathy using advanced vascular testing.
How We Diagnose PAD at Texas Comprehensive Care
At TXC, we use advanced, painless methods to diagnose PAD:
1️⃣ Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
This test compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm to find blockages.
2️⃣ Vascular Ultrasound
This test uses sound waves to check blood flow in your arteries and identify blockages.
These tests help us give you a clear, accurate PAD diagnosis so we can build a personalized treatment plan for you.
Is PAD Reversible?
Many patients ask, is PAD reversible?
You can’t remove plaque completely, but with the right treatment, you can stop PAD from getting worse, improve your circulation, and reduce your symptoms.
PAD Treatment at TXC in Sugar Land
The good news? Most people don’t need surgery for PAD.
At Texas Comprehensive Care, we offer non-surgical PAD treatment options, including:
✅ Lifestyle changes (diet, quitting smoking, exercise)
✅ Medications to lower cholesterol and improve blood flow
✅ Supervised walking programs to improve circulation
✅ Blood sugar and blood pressure management
If you need advanced treatment, we coordinate with top PAD specialists in Sugar Land for stenting or bypass procedures.
How to Improve Circulation in Your Legs
To improve leg circulation naturally, try these steps:
- Walk daily to help build new blood vessels.
- Quit smoking to prevent further damage.
- Eat heart-healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid long periods of sitting or standing.
- Manage your diabetes and cholesterol levels.
Following these PAD health tips can improve your circulation and help you feel better.
Why PAD and Leg Ulcers Are Connected
If you have PAD, wounds on your legs may take longer to heal due to poor circulation. These wounds can become infected, leading to leg ulcers or serious complications.
If you notice a wound that won’t heal, visit TXC immediately for PAD testing.
Why Choose Texas Comprehensive Care for PAD Treatment?
At Texas Comprehensive Care, we are committed to helping you stay active, healthy, and pain-free.
✅ Local Experts in PAD Treatment Sugar Land: We specialize in finding and treating PAD early.
✅ Advanced Testing: We use modern tools for precise PAD screening.
✅ Personalized Care: We take the time to listen and guide you.
✅ Convenient Location: Get quality care without long drives or hospital delays.
✅ Fast Results: Know your results quickly so you can take action.
Your health is our mission. We’re here to help you live your best life.
Who Should Get Checked for PAD?
You should get checked for PAD if you:
- Are over 50 with risk factors like diabetes or smoking
- Have leg pain when walking
- Have cold feet or numbness
- Have slow-healing wounds on your legs
- Have a history of heart disease or stroke
Early PAD screening can help prevent serious complications.
Real Patient Stories
“I used to get cramps when walking. I thought it was age. TXC found PAD early, and now I walk pain-free.” – Daniel M., Sugar Land
“I have diabetes and a wound that wouldn’t heal. TXC checked for PAD and started treatment that helped me avoid surgery.” – Angela S., Missouri City
Your story can change too. Don’t let PAD control your life.
Take Action Today
Your legs are important. Don’t ignore pain, coldness, or wounds that won’t heal. These could be early signs of PAD.
At Texas Comprehensive Care in Sugar Land, we help you find out what’s wrong and guide you toward the right treatment.
✅ Book your PAD screening today.
✅ Take control of your health.
✅ Walk with comfort again.
Book Your Appointment Now
Don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better your chances of avoiding serious complications.
📞 Call Texas Comprehensive Care now to schedule your PAD check.
🌐 Visit https://txc.care/ to book online.
📍 Get the answers you need and start your journey to better health.
You Deserve Healthy, Pain-Free Legs
Peripheral Arterial Disease is serious, but it’s treatable if caught early. At TXC, we help you catch PAD before it controls your life.
Take the first step toward better circulation, less pain, and a healthier you.
