Experiencing Leg Pain? Discover How Our New Rochelle Vascular Team Diagnoses PVD

Leg aches and cramping can be bothersome and exhausting, especially when they carry on. If blood flow problems underlie your symptoms, you could be dealing with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) – a disease that affects about 12-20% of adults over age 60.

While not all leg pain stems from PVD, you don't want to delay treatment when it does. That’s where expert diagnosis comes in. Without timely care, PVD can lead to limb amputation, heart attack, and stroke.

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, provide vascular evaluations to ensure you get the answers and treatment you need.

Signs of PVD leg pain

Leg pain from PVD results from blocked or narrowed blood vessels, usually due to clogged arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your leg muscles.

Signs PVD may be fueling your leg pain include:

• Pain that feels like a dull ache or cramp
• Tiredness in your calves, hips, or thighs when you exercise
• Improved pain and tiredness within minutes of rest
• Periodic numbness or weakness in your legs
• A foot or calf that feels cooler than the thigh
• Skin color or texture changes

Untreated PVD can also lead to slow-healing ulcers on your feet. If you also experience numbness, you might not notice an ulcer, making it more vulnerable to infection.

How our team diagnoses PVD

Numerous tests can help confirm an accurate PVD diagnosis, rule it out, or identify an alternative vascular cause.

Dr. Elyaderani and his team begin the diagnostic process with a physical exam, during which you’ll discuss your symptoms and medical history. Other issues worth mentioning at your exam include arm pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), shortness of breath, chest pain, and aching or burning sensations in your toes.

Particularly if you have leg swelling, discoloration, or ulcers, he may order a general vascular evaluation to check for issues such as artery blockages and blood clots. Tests that can help provide a clear diagnostic picture include:

• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test to compare the blood pressure in your arms and ankles
• Pulse volume recording (PVR), which measures blood pressure and flow in your legs
• Vascular ultrasound, which assesses blood vessel structure and blood flow

If needed, we can loop in additional vascular specialists to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment. PVD treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, or a procedure, such as angioplasty and stenting.

To learn more about PVD diagnosis or get started with an expert vascular assessment, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.