Peripheral Artery Disease – Symptoms to Look for in Summer

The weather is warming up, and summer will soon be here. This means it’s time to start enjoying traditional summer activities in Michigan like golfing, going to the beach, hiking, and many other great outdoor activities that keep us on our feet more often. If these activities should start causing you pain and soreness, don’t just automatically write it off as sore muscles you haven’t used all winter. Persistent pain caused by these activities could be a sign of serious venous conditions that will only become worse if left properly untreated by professionals like the doctors at Advanced Vascular Surgery. In today’s post, we will examine symptoms and signs that could be red flags for serious venous issues.

Monitor Your Symptoms

Most people are more active during the summer months, meaning a lot of muscles don’t get as much normal use for a few months during the colder fall and winter. As a result, you may feel some fatigue or minor aching in these muscles once you become more active. This is why you should pay close attention to the pain you are experiencing, specifically how quickly it starts and dissipates, and how often you suffer from the pains.

In the event that you feel the pain or fatigue only a few minutes after beginning of the activity with it fading with rest, then there is a possibility that you have a bigger issue, like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Normally, when you experience muscle soreness, it will begin near the end of the activity, and it could be a couple of days before your muscles heal and feel better. If you experience other types of pain, like a tingling or burning sensation, then this could be a sign of either diabetes or arthritis.

The Risks Associated with PAD

Obviously, you want to monitor your aches and pain for your own comfort, but these pains can also signify more serious health issues. PAD adversely affects the flow of blood in your body, meaning that muscles can become oxygen deficient. Without getting proper treatment for the condition, you could become more susceptible for heart attack, stroke, skin ulcers, gangrene, and other serious problems.

If caught early enough, PAD can be treated by eating a better diet, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly to improve circulation. Without this treatment, the condition should become worse and may require surgery to facilitate better blood flow. If you are concerned that you may have Peripheral Artery Disease, call Advanced Vascular Surgery to schedule your initial consultation.