Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) develops when the arteries that supply blood throughout the body become completely or partially blocked. This blockage by fatty plaque deposits that harden arteries is called atherosclerosis and significantly reduces blood flow. The most common type is lower-extremity PAD, where there is a reduction in blood flow to the legs and feet. When left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene or even limb loss1.
PAD affects more than six million people in the United States over the age of 40 and is a common disease mistaken for growing older. PAD increases risks of hard-to-heal wounds by obstructing circulation to the legs. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, advanced age, vascular disease and diabetes. Although the long-term effects of PAD are serious, an astonishing 40 percent of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms.
OSF Holy Family Wound Care, a member of the Healogics® network, provides specialized wound care and non-invasive tests, including the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the ankles and arms to diagnose PAD. Ultrasound tests are also used to identify which arteries are blocked. Early detection and identification of PAD can help prevent an amputation from occurring.
The following signs and symptoms of PAD:
- Pain or cramps in the back of leg while walking or exercising
- Lower legs and feet that are cool to touch or that have shiny skin
- Legs and feet appear pale when raised and bluish/purplish when hanging down
- Numbness or tingling in the feet and legs
- A sore or wound on the toes, legs or feet that does not heal
Advanced PAD results in delayed wound healing and a greater risk for limb loss. Twenty-five percent of those with advanced PAD may experience an amputation within one year. People who are at risk for PAD should call OSF Holy Family Wound Care if they develop a wound resistant to heal. Specialized care provided by OSF Holy Family Wound Care may reduce healing times, increase healing rates and significantly lower amputation risks.
For more information on identifying PAD and treating chronic or infected wounds, contact OSF Holy Family Wound Care located at 1000 W. Harlem Ave or call (309) 734-1408.
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About Healogics
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Healogics is the nation’s wound healing expert. Last year over 300,000 patients received advanced wound care through a network of over 600 Wound Care Centers. Healogics also partners with over 300 skilled nursing facilities to care for patients with chronic wounds and provides inpatient consults at more than 60 partner hospitals. As the industry leader, Healogics has the largest repository of chronic wound-specific patient data in the country. The Healogics Wound Science Initiative offers peer-reviewed research and advanced analytics in the pursuit of not only better outcomes but a better way to provide care.