Estera of Northeast Pennsylvania
Center for Veins and Joints

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Our Embolization Services:

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is a common circulatory condition that affects the arteries outside the heart, most often in the legs and feet. It occurs when fatty deposits (plaque) build up along the walls of the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This process, called atherosclerosis, limits blood flow to the limbs.

When blood flow is reduced, your muscles and tissues don’t receive enough oxygen, especially during activity. This can lead to pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs while walking, which usually improves with rest.

Common Signs and Symptoms

PAD often develops slowly, and symptoms may be mild or go unnoticed at first. Common signs include:

  • Leg pain, cramping, or fatigue while walking or climbing stairs
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
  • Coldness in one lower leg or foot compared to the other
  • Sores or wounds on the feet or toes that heal slowly
  • Shiny skin, loss of hair, or slower nail growth on the legs
  • In advanced cases, pain at rest or tissue breakdown
Why PAD Matters

PAD isn’t just a problem in your legs; it’s a sign of widespread arterial disease and an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications and maintain mobility and quality of life.

Who Is at Risk

You may be at higher risk for PAD if you:

  • Smoke or have a history of smoking
  • Have diabetes
  • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Are over age 50
  • Have a family history of heart or vascular disease
The Good News

PAD is treatable. With proper diagnosis, lifestyle changes, medications, and, when needed, minimally invasive procedures, most people experience major improvements in circulation, walking comfort, and long-term health.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries that carry blood to your legs and feet become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. Left untreated, PAD can lead to pain when walking, poor wound healing, and even more serious complications. At Estera our goal is to restore healthy blood flow, relieve symptoms, and help you return to an active lifestyle.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient’s condition is unique. We begin with a comprehensive vascular evaluation to determine the extent of disease and tailor a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

Lifestyle and Medical Management

Early stages of PAD can often be managed without surgery. Our team focuses on:

  • Smoking cessation and lifestyle coaching to protect your arteries.
  • Structured exercise therapy to improve circulation and reduce leg discomfort.
  • Heart-healthy diet guidance to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
  • Medications such as:
    • Antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin or clopidogrel) to prevent clot formation
    • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) to slow plaque buildup
    • Cilostazol (Pletal) to improve walking distance and reduce leg pain

Minimally Invasive Endovascular Treatments

When lifestyle changes and medication aren’t enough, our specialists offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedures performed right here in our vascular lab:

  • Angioplasty and Stenting – A tiny balloon is used to open the artery, and a stent is placed to keep it open.
  • Atherectomy – Removes plaque buildup to restore smoother blood flow.
    These procedures are done through a small incision, allowing most patients to go home the same day,

Ongoing Care and Prevention

Our commitment doesn’t end after treatment. We continue to monitor your vascular health and work with you to prevent future blockages, helping you stay active, healthy, and pain-free.

What to Expect After Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

At Estera, our goal is to help you not only restore healthy circulation but also maintain it for years to come. After your PAD treatment, whether medical therapy, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery, our care team will guide you through every step of your recovery.

1. Recovery and Healing

Your recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive:

After a minimally invasive procedure (such as angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy):

Most patients use our same-day in-house treatment and go home afterward. You may notice relief from leg pain within days as blood flow improves. Mild soreness or bruising at the incision site is normal and should be resolved within a week.

2. Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure your arteries stay open and healthy. These visits may include:

  • Ultrasound or vascular imaging to check blood flow
  • Medication review and adjustments to prevent new blockages
  • Wound checks if you had an incision or ulcer prior to treatment

The Estera team monitors your progress closely and works with you to keep your circulation strong.

3. Lifestyle and Long-Term Management

Successful treatment is just the beginning. To maintain the results and prevent recurrence, you’ll be encouraged to:

  • Stop smoking completely – this is the single most crucial step you can take
  • Exercise regularly, especially walking, to strengthen your leg muscles and improve blood flow
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
  • Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol
4. When to Call Your Doctor

Contact us right away if you experience:

  • New or worsening leg pain or numbness
  • Swelling, redness, or drainage at the incision site
  • Fever, chills, or sudden color changes in your foot or toes

Prompt attention helps prevent complications and keeps your recovery on track.

5. Moving Forward

Most patients experience significant improvement in walking distance, energy, and quality of life after treatment. Our team remains your long-term partner in vascular health, helping you stay active, independent, and pain-free.

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