Peripheral Vascular Disease - Ischemic Pain

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the peripheral arteries outside the heart and brain that reduces blood flow. It often involves a narrowing of vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys.

Primary life factors that increase the risk of PVD include smoking, high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, age over 50, elevated lipids in the bloodstream, and diabetes.

There are two types of PVD:

Organic conditions are caused by structural changes in the blood vessels, such as inflammation and tissue damage. Peripheral artery disease, caused by fatty buildups in arteries that block normal blood flow, is an example.
Functional conditions have no organic cause. They don't involve defects in blood vessel structure and are usually short-term effects related to an intermittent "spasm". Raynaud's disease is an example. It can be triggered by cold temperatures, emotional stress, working with vibrating machinery or smoking.

The most common cause of PVD is peripheral artery disease, a gradual process in which fatty material builds up inside the arteries.

The fatty material mixes with calcium, scar tissue, and other substances, forming arteriosclerotic plaque. This plaque blocks, narrows, and/or weakens blood vessel walls, causing blood flow through the arteries to be restricted or even completely blocked.

The most common symptom in the legs is pain in one or both calves, thighs, or hips. The pain usually occurs while walking or climbing stairs because the muscles' need for blood increases.

Since the narrowed or blocked arteries are unable to supply additional blood, the muscles are deprived of oxygen and other necessary nutrients. The pain generally stops once the muscle is at rest and the additional oxygen is no longer required.

The restriction of blood supply may also lead to ischemia (i.e., damage or dysfunction of tissue) in the extremities which can be quite painful and chronic.

Treatment Options
The first "treatment" is to address the primary risk factors. Reducing risk factors can not only stop the disease from progressing but can also reverse symptoms.

More advanced cases may require angioplasty, a non-surgical technique for enlarging an artery that is blocked or narrowed. Angioplasty, unfortunately, is not a permanent solution for most people. The use of stents may be indicated for severely blocked arteries or those that show signs of closing after angioplasty.

When the obstruction involves most of a blood vessel, surgery becomes the best option. The most common procedure for a blocked or damaged artery is called a bypass, an operation similar to artery bypass of the heart.

The ischemic pain common with PVD can continue even after other symptoms have abated. In such situations, a permanent sympathetic nerve block can provide a long-term, 50% improvement in blood flow and a noteable reduction of pain for patients with advanced PVD.

We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are skilled at diagnosing and treating the ischemic pain commmon with peripheral vascular disease.

If you or a loved one is suffering the ill effects of this debilitating disease, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Foot & Ankle Care
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847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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847.697.4500

Mt. Prospect

Metrodocs, S.C.
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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847.296.3040