Summer Pains: Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

With winter finally on its way out, people throughout Michigan are already planning their summer activities. But, did you know that the aches and pains of summer can be signs of peripheral artery disease? While winter is often complained about, summer brings about its own difficulties. The increased amount of walking, hiking, sporting, and general physical activity leads to new pains. Some of these pains may simply be from disuse… caused by months of hibernating and staying out of the winter weather. But, some of these pains could be symptoms of a larger, more serious problem.

Signs and symptoms

If you’re noticing pain in your legs and feet, the first thing you should do is take note of when the pain starts, when it stops, and how frequently it occurs. One surefire sign of peripheral artery disease is pain or fatigue that occurs when physically exerting yourself but dissipates quickly when you rest. Typically, exercise will cause pain near the end of – or after – exertion and may persist for a few days. If your pain doesn’t fit this pattern, it may be time to speak with a professional.

Risks

Peripheral artery disease affects how your blood flows and inhibits your body’s ability to delivery oxygen to your muscles. Left untreated, the disease increases your risk for heart attack, ulcers, gangrene, and stroke.

If caught early, peripheral artery disease can often be treated by implementing changes in your diet, quitting smoking, and exercising. If untreated, however, it may require surgery to restore blood flow. At Advanced Vascular Surgery, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with options. If you’re concerned about the aches and pains that you’re experiencing, we encourage you to reach out to us today, learn more about what we do, and – most importantly – how we may be able to help.