Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Leg pain when walking. Numbness or cramping in your calves. Cold feet or slow-healing wounds on your toes. These might seem like minor issues, but they can all be signs of something more serious: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
At Premier Vascular, we specialize in diagnosing and treating PAD — helping patients throughout Macon and Central Georgia improve circulation, relieve symptoms, and prevent dangerous complications. Whether you're just starting to notice changes or you've been struggling with leg pain for years, we’re here to help.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease(PAD)?
Peripheral Artery Disease, referred to as PAD, occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of fatty deposits, or plaque. This restricts blood flow to the muscles and tissues in your legs, leading to pain, fatigue, and — in more severe cases — tissue damage and limb loss.
PAD is a form of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and is a warning sign that similar blockages may be happening elsewhere in the body, including the heart or brain.
What are the stages of PAD?
Stage 1: Asymptomatic
Plaque is present, but no symptoms yet. Often found through screening.
Stage 2: Claudication
Leg pain or cramping with walking that goes away with rest.
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2a: Mild (walking not limited)
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2b: Moderate to severe (walking distance reduced)
Stage 3: Rest Pain
Pain in feet or toes even at rest, especially at night. Indicates more severe blood flow restriction.
Stage 4: Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)
Non-healing wounds, ulcers, or gangrene. High risk of limb loss without urgent treatment.
What are common symptoms of PAD?
PAD symptoms can range from subtle to severe — and some people have no symptoms at all until the disease is advanced. Common signs include:
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Leg pain or cramping during activity, especially in the calves (claudication)
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Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
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Cold feet or legs, especially compared to the other side
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Slow-growing toenails or loss of hair on the legs
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Poor wound healing on the feet or toes
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Discoloration of the skin on your legs or feet
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Pain at rest or while sleeping (especially in your feet)
If PAD is left untreated, it can lead to critical limb ischemia, a serious condition that may require surgery or even amputation.
What Causes PAD?
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the artery walls. This narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow. Risk factors include:
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Smoking (past or current)
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Obesity
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Age 50+
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Family history of vascular disease
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Sedentary/inactive lifestyle
PAD is common, especially in older adults — but it often goes undiagnosed until symptoms become severe.
How is PAD Diagnosed?
At Premier Vascular, we use a combination of physical exams, history review, and non-invasive testing to diagnose PAD. Common tools include:
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Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in your ankles and arms to detect blocked arteries
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Ultrasound: Visualizes blood flow and pinpoints narrowing or blockages
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Advanced Imaging (CT or MR Angiography): In more complex cases, imaging may be used to map out detailed blood flow
Diagnosis is quick, painless, and can be done right in our outpatient clinic.
What are the treatment options for PAD?
The goal of treatment is to restore blood flow, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications — including heart attack, stroke, and limb loss.
Conservative Care (for early or mild cases)
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Smoking cessation
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Walking/exercise therapy
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Healthy diet and weight management
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Cholesterol and blood pressure control
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Diabetes management
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Medications to improve circulation or reduce clotting
While helpful for symptom relief, conservative care won’t correct underlying valve damage.
Minimally Invasive Procedures (for patients with more significant blockages:)
Performed in-office with little or no downtime:
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Angioplasty: A balloon is used to open the narrowed artery
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Stenting: A tiny metal mesh tube is placed to keep the artery open
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Atherectomy: Specialized tools are used to remove plaque from artery walls
Surgical Options (for advanced or complex cases:)
Our board-certified vascular surgeons offer every level of care — and we’ll only recommend surgery if it’s truly the only or best option for your long-term health.
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Bypass surgery: Reroutes blood around a blocked artery using a vessel from your body or a synthetic graft
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Endarterectomy: Surgically removes plaque from a blocked artery
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Limb salvage procedures: For patients at risk of amputation, advanced surgical interventions can preserve tissue and restore function
PAD: Sometimes Silent, Often Undiagnosed, But Always Serious
PAD affects millions of Americans, but many people don’t know they have it. Studies show that up to 40% of individuals with PAD have no symptoms at all, while others mistake warning signs — like leg fatigue or foot pain — for normal aging.
That’s what makes PAD so dangerous: it can progress quietly until it becomes limb- or life-threatening. Early detection is key. If you’re over 50 or have risk factors like diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure, call us to schedule a screening.
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What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?PAD is a condition where the arteries that carry blood to your legs and feet become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This reduces blood flow, which can lead to leg pain, wounds that don’t heal, and in severe cases, tissue loss or amputation.
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What are common symptoms of PAD?The most classic symptom is leg pain or cramping (claudication) during walking or exercise that improves with rest. Other symptoms may include leg numbness, weakness, cold feet, slow-healing wounds on the legs or feet, shiny skin, or hair loss on the legs.
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What causes PAD?The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis—a hardening and narrowing of the arteries from fatty deposits (plaque). Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and aging.
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Who is at risk for PAD?Anyone can develop PAD, but your risk is higher if you’re over 50, smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of vascular disease.
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What happens if PAD is left untreated?Untreated PAD can lead to worsening pain, non-healing sores, infections, and critical limb ischemia (severely reduced blood flow), which may result in amputation.
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Can PAD affect both legs?Yes, PAD can impact one or both legs, though the severity may differ between them. Symptoms may feel worse on one side depending on where the blockages are.
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Is PAD dangerous?Yes—PAD is more than just a circulation problem. It increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and limb loss. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious complications.
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How is PAD diagnosed?Premier Vascular uses noninvasive tests like the ankle-brachial index (ABI), arterial ultrasounds, and advanced imaging to assess blood flow and detect blockages.
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Can PAD be cured?PAD can’t be “cured,” but it can be effectively managed. With the right treatment plan, most patients see significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
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How do I schedule a PAD evaluation?Call our office at 478-250-9785 to book your consultation. Our team is here to help protect your health and keep you moving.
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Is PAD treatment covered by insurance?Yes. PAD treatments are considered medically necessary and are covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. Our team will help verify your coverage.
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Can you help me check my insurance benefits?Of course! Our patient coordinators are happy to help you understand your coverage. Just give us a call at 478-250-9785.
Why Choose Premier Vascular?
At Premier Vascular, our board-certified vascular surgeons bring years of advanced training, rigorous testing, and real-world expertise to every patient we see. Board certification isn’t just a title — it means we’ve met the highest standards in our field and are qualified to diagnose and treat even the most complex vascular conditions using the latest, evidence-based techniques.
But just because we’re surgeons doesn’t mean you’ll need surgery.
In fact, most patients are treated with minimally invasive procedures right here in our outpatient clinic — often with little to no downtime. When surgery is necessary, you can trust that you’re in experienced, compassionate hands.
Unlike clinics that only offer one or two treatment options, we have the full range of tools and expertise to create a care plan that truly fits you. Some providers treat every problem like a nail because all they have is a hammer. At Premier Vascular, we tailor your treatment based on what’s best for your health — not what’s most convenient for us.
And because we’re local to Macon and Central Georgia, we’re not just your providers — we’re your neighbors. Our families live here. Our kids go to school here. We care for our community because we’re a part of it.
From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way — offering world-class care, right where you live.